Faust: Data centers in Dover need close scrutiny

Data centers may be a new fad, but if they are not fully reviewed before implementations are considered, they may have drastic and negative results that the city may not be able to bounce back from in the long run.”

William G. Faust Jr. is a resident of Dover.

Data centers are a very controversial topic. I believe the city of Dover needs to approach this issue with extreme caution and concern.

With our infrastructure for electricity and water in question, how feasible is this undertaking? This new fad to bring jobs into the city should not be paid for by additional fees, taxes or utility increases passed on to the citizens.

Questions that need to be answered before any considerations on this matter are put forward are:

• If our electric and water framework cannot support a data center, who will be on the hook to pay for the upgrades?
• If there is a shortage in electricity, will brownouts be forced upon the citizens? Will citizens’ electric needs take priority over the data center?
• If there is a drought, will the citizens’ needs be top priority over the data center’s needs?
• If there is an environmental disaster, who would be on the hook for the cleanup/repairs?
• Would citizens of Dover get top priority in getting the jobs the data center could provide?
• Is there enough data to show that a data center brings zero harm to an area?
• Data centers require large amounts of electricity and water. These increases in water and electricity will probably increase costs in these two areas. Who will pay for these increases?

From my limited research on data centers, it appears they are not worth the risk at this point. Our water and electric infrastructures need to be updated first, to ensure that they are capable to handle the needs of the citizens in the city.

Everything looks good when it is shiny and new. However, with time, the shine will fade, and the cracks will start to appear.

Just because data centers are the new fad, that doesn’t mean that we should hop onboard. Fads come and go! Remember Pet Rocks, mood rings, 8-track cassettes, Blockbuster movie rentals, pay phones and many other items.

Data centers may be a new fad, but if they are not fully reviewed before implementations are considered, they may have drastic and negative results that the city may not be able to bounce back from in the long run.

Before the mayor and City Council jump at the magical beans — “the data center,” which promises silver, gold, jobs and positive revenue for the city — remember what the casinos of South Jersey promised when they were first rolled out.

It’s something to think about.

This was submitted by a concerned citizen.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.