Portland residents host meeting in opposition to potential data center project

Reporter Adam Beam covered a community meeting in Portland, New York, where residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed AI data center. The project is planned for the former Sugar Hill Golf Course, and the Portland Town Board had previously granted general approval, prompting local citizens to take action. A lifelong resident named Patterson, along with other community members, formed the "Great Bell Community Group." Their stated mission is to collaborate with officials to identify alternative, more sustainable projects. Attendees at their inaugural meeting expressed concerns that the data center would be a "mismatch" for the area, which relies heavily on tourism and its natural environment, including local grape cultivation and water quality. Residents from neighboring communities also shared anxieties, specifically highlighting potential impacts on water quality as the Northern Water District plans to draw water from the lake. The proposed data center project is scheduled for further discussion at the next Town Board meeting on Wednesday, May 13th, which reporter Adam Beam intends to cover.