Mamakating sets hearing date for proposed data center on September 15
The Town of Mamakating, NY, is holding a public hearing on September 15 to discuss potential restrictions, including a moratorium or outright ban, on large-scale data centers. The Town Board is seeking public input on how to address the arrival of these facilities, considering their electricity and water demands and environmental impacts. Residents are encouraged to research and share their thoughts, though no final decision will be made at this initial hearing.
The Town of Mamakating, New York, is considering implementing restrictions on large-scale data centers, including a temporary moratorium or an outright ban, due to concerns about their environmental impact and demands for electricity and water. Town Supervisor Peter Goodman announced a public hearing scheduled for September 15 to gather community input on the potential arrival of these facilities. This discussion follows previous internal deliberations by the Town Board regarding the widespread development of data centers in other municipalities nationwide.
Supervisor Goodman clarified that the Board does not intend to make a final decision on September 15 but rather use the hearing as an opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts and opinions after researching the subject. Resident Frank Coviello, a member of the Bashakill Area Association, praised the Board's proactive stance and urged them to consider additional measures to address environmental impacts, such as a clean air law similar to one adopted by the Village of Monticello.
Coviello also mentioned that his association is deploying air-quality monitors in Mamakating to establish baseline data, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to development and environmental protection. The upcoming hearing will allow residents to influence what, if any, regulations the Town Board will consider for future data center development in Mamakating.