Google describes 'golden ticket' data center for Sand Springs, residents push back

Описание: SAND SPRINGS, OKLA. (KTUL) — The cafeteria at Charles Page High School was packed. On the menu, a four-course meal of the benefits that having a data center would bring to the community.

"I really think that data centers are a golden ticket for communities across America," said Kate Franko from Google. She said Project Spring would create about a thousand construction jobs at peak.

"If this project moves forward the city of Sand Springs, Osage County, Sand Springs Public Schools and Tulsa Tech will receive significant financial support to the tune of millions of dollars per year," she said.

Money the school superintendent said would help with infrastructure.

"Bringing Google here will glean at least $1.1 million in our building fund every single year," said Sherry Durkee.

Money the city manager said would give the city some flexibility.

"It would also let us do things that we could do that we want to do that the public has asked us to do like, a public swimming pool. We haven’t done that before because of the ongoing cost of that," said Mike Carter.

But money at what cost said residents.

"Money is the root of all evil. There's other ways to grow Sand Springs, there’s other ways," said Charlie Pearson, who had strong support from the crowd with his assertion that something like this just isn't a good fit for Sand Springs.

"You’re not listening to the people, because we’ve tried to tell you, this is not going to work, not for us. But you all will not listen," he said.

A common theme from many of the speakers, we like our quality of life just the way it is, and you need to listen to us, before one day you have to listen to someone else.

"I ask you to remember that one day we will all stand in front of the judgment seat. Will you be known for protecting the least of these and hear the words, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant,' or will you choose a different path out of a love for money and hear, 'I know you not, depart from me,'" said one resident.

Read story: https://ktul.com/news/local/google-de...

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