Residents Near Port Washington Construction Site Demand Restrictions on Continuous Work
In a growing wave of discontent, residents near the new Vantage Data Centers Lighthouse Campus construction site in Port Washington are urging city officials to reinstate restrictions on the ongoing 24-hour weekday construction. The expansion of work hours from the originally approved 12-hour period has led to complaints about the disturbances caused by lighting, noise, traffic, emissions, and dust.
Kim Tydrick, a resident less than a mile from the site, expressed her frustration: “We call our neighborhood the land of the midnight sun now because the hundreds of extremely bright work lights that they have shine in our windows 24 hours a day. We (also) have incessant backup beeping, which we were assured we would never hear by the mayor of Port Washington.”
Vantage Data Centers has acknowledged the disruption and emphasized their commitment to being a considerate neighbor. In a statement, they noted, “We have and will be consistently monitoring the site activities to ensure we remain within the sound limits allowed under our permit with the understanding that any further measures we can take to alleviate certain sounds will be considered.” Efforts are underway to address non-shielded lighting at the site.
Last week, a petition signed by 100 residents was submitted to the city’s Common Council and the Port Washington Town Board, urging a return to the previous work schedule by mid-March. Kirk Deheck, an attorney and Port Washington resident, authored the letter and highlighted the community’s frustration with local leadership’s response to their concerns.
Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke explained that the extended work hours are crucial to counter project delays. “The city of Port Washington would like this project to close as fast as possible. It positions the city to begin to increase the value and tax that property. So any length of time extended on the project would be to the detriment of our local community and taxpayers,” Neitzke stated.
Tydrick, however, pointed out that the benefits touted by the city won’t extend to her as a resident of the town, which was annexed last year for the data center’s construction. Deheck echoed this sentiment, stating that town residents feel their concerns are sidelined, as their comments are recorded merely as non-resident opposition in city council meetings.
Mayor Neitzke conveyed empathy for the residents’ grievances and acknowledged the city’s ongoing discussions with Vantage Data Centers regarding the possibility of adjusting the 24-hour work schedule before the end of May. The Port Washington Planning Commission is scheduled to address this issue in their upcoming meeting.
