'Not being transparent': Residents oppose proposed data center in Genesee County

The video from WKBW TV in Buffalo, NY, reports on significant local opposition to a proposed 500-megawatt, 2.2 million-square-foot data center complex by Texas-based Stream Data Centers. The facility is planned for the STAMP plant in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County, New York. Residents of Genesee County and members of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation express "complete opposition," citing concerns about environmental harm to water and natural habitats, increased electricity costs, noise, vibration, constant lights, and the project's perceived lack of transparency regarding its future tenants. Opponents argue that the data center will impact local wildlife and change the soundscape, criticizing the substantial 1.4 billion dollar tax break for only 125 jobs. Genesee County Economic Development Center President and CEO, Mars May See, defended the project, stating he could not reveal tenants due to disclosure agreements but affirmed the data center would not harm water or the power grid. He claimed property and sales taxes alone would generate half a billion dollars for three municipalities. Stream's Chief Development Officer, Rourk, and Senior Site Selection and Development Manager, Bradley Wills, emphasized that the project's studies indicate billions in local economic benefit and that environmental and quality-of-life concerns, such as noise (capped at 45 decibels at the property boundary), are being addressed. They clarified the data center would use energy already earmarked for the STAMP plant, much of it from renewable sources, and assured it would not be used for crypto mining. Developers are hoping to break ground this year for completion by 2030, but acknowledged that approval is "not a done deal," with more public hearings scheduled.