State moratorium does not halt local review of proposed Lysander data center
Lysander, N.Y., is considering a 300-megawatt data center project despite a state-level moratorium on new hyperscale data center permits, as the state's pause does not affect local permitting processes. The Town of Lysander has enacted its own six-month moratorium to review its code and consider new regulations for data center projects. Local citizens are actively engaged, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
A proposed 300-megawatt data center in the town of Lysander, New York, is proceeding with local review despite a statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data center permits. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, representing the 59th Senate District, clarified that the one-year state moratorium only applies to new state permits and does not halt local permitting processes or affect permits already issued.
In response to the proposed facility and broader concerns, the Town of Lysander has enacted its own six-month moratorium. This local pause allows the town to review its code and develop potential regulations specifically for data center projects. Citizen opposition, spearheaded by 'Citizens for Lysander,' remains active; over 200 residents attended a meeting to understand the implications of the state's moratorium and local developments.
Sen. Gonzalez also highlighted concerns about transparency, noting that some developers ask local officials to sign nondisclosure agreements, preventing them from discussing negotiations with residents. Johanna Bock of Citizens for Lysander voiced worries about project accountability, particularly regarding shell corporations and changes in facility ownership, citing 'Metas of the world' as an example. State Sen. Rachel May of the 48th Senate District warned that municipalities face potentially expensive legal challenges if they attempt to block projects or impose restrictions, even if they are on solid legal ground. No final decision has been made on the Lysander facility, and the local community group plans to continue its involvement in the regulatory process.