HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 23 2026 Public Comment - AI Data Center - Jacob NelsonCAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
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From:Papa Jake
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Request to Speak Before the City Council
Date:Saturday, February 21, 2026 8:16:17 PM
To Whom it May Concern,
I would like to request, for an opportunity, to speak before the Gilroy City Council on the
issue of an AI Data Center being built in our city, at the February 23rd council meeting.
The following is what I would like to discuss...
My name is Jacob Nelson. I've been a citizen of Gilroy for over 15 years. I'm currently retired
from the Navy after serving 22 years and now happily working and living Gilroy. I would like
to request that we do not allow anyone to build an AI data center in Gilroy. Please read the
following as to why I disagree and AI data center would be good for Gilroy.
An AI data centers, would devastate the city of Gilroy. AI data centers drive unsustainable
energy and water consumption (which means higher prices for residents), accelerate
environmental degradation (Co2, infrasound, etc.).
AI data centers consume massive amounts of electricity and rely heavily on fossil fuels. This
will significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions, in Gilroy.
Cooling these facilities requires enormous water resources, which will not only impact
residents but also farmers.
Despite the existence of more ideal locations (Canada, Iceland, Austria, and northern Europe)
with natural cold, renewable energy, and stable grids, Gilroy's weather does not support a data
centers need to remain cool.
Data center (an their components) have a lifespan of only 3 to 10 years, due to rapid
technological changes. Meaning the data center will leave an irreparable scar on our beautiful
city.
Data centers contribute to electronic waste, rely on rare earth mining (often environmentally
destructive), and strain local electrical grids and water supplies.
In conclusion, a data center in Gilroy would be disastrous not only for current residents but for
our future. Data centerd take up too much water an energy, that Gilroy does not have excess
of. The impact on our citizens would be high due to the noise pollution as well as the CO2
emissions. Bottom line at data center does not help Gilroy citizens, it does not help Gilroy City
it, does not help anyone other than those who deem to profit off of it.
As a citizen of Gilroy and as a veteran I request that you do not allow a data center for any
company to be built in Gilroy, please and thank you.
Very Respectfully,
Jacob A Nelson