AI-generated flyer sparks confusion, concern over possible Brookhaven AI data center proposal

An AI-generated flyer caused alarm among Brookhaven residents, falsely announcing a public hearing and vote on an Artificial Intelligence data center proposal in Yaphank. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico promptly debunked the flyer's claims, stating that no formal application or zone change request for an AI data center is currently pending with the town.

Despite the lack of a formal proposal, residents expressed significant concerns regarding the potential strain a large-scale AI data center could place on Long Island's electric grid, environment, and water supply. These fears persist even as officials clarify the situation.

Supervisor Panico did acknowledge that an unnamed AI data center entity has been in preliminary discussions with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) regarding future power needs for warehouse properties in Yaphank, owned by Wildflower. However, NYISO stated it has no information regarding the project being publicly discussed and clarified that system impact studies for large facilities do not determine project approval.

Brookhaven National Laboratory also addressed speculation, confirming it had previously shown interest in a Department of Energy request for information for AI data center sites but was not selected and has no current plans to host such a facility. Panico assured residents that any future formal application would involve robust public input and a potential zone change, which the town is not obligated to grant.