Massena residents oppose data center expansion, seek moratorium
Massena residents voiced strong, sometimes heated, opposition to a proposed data center expansion by NYDIG at a recent Town Board meeting. Concerns primarily focused on environmental impact, water and energy usage, and potential health effects. A petition for a three-year moratorium on data centers was presented to the board.
Massena residents packed a Massena Town Board meeting to vocally oppose plans for a large-scale data center expansion by the Bitcoin mining operation New York Digital Investment Group (NYDIG) at the former Alcoa East site.
Speakers raised numerous concerns, including severe environmental impact, excessive water and energy usage, and potential negative health effects on the community. Sports-Fishing Promotion Director Donald R. Meissner and other residents argued that the data center would "kill the environment" and interfere with the health of people, fish, and water. Deputy Supervisor Samuel D. Carbone, however, emphasized the need for business and highlighted Massena's existing electrical infrastructure.
David Fenton, who organized a petition with over 475 signatures, formally presented it to the Town Board, requesting a three-year moratorium on data centers. Fenton stated that the moratorium would allow time for independent studies on economic and environmental impacts, review state-level information, and develop protective zoning laws, water usage regulations, and energy requirements. Another resident, James Hidy, countered that Massena needed the revenue from such a project, arguing it was a "dying community" without new industry.