DataBank expansion proposal in Orangetown, New York faces scrutiny, residents oppose project
DataBank Inc. is seeking to expand its data center in Orangetown, New York, a proposal that has generated ongoing opposition from nearby residents concerned about noise, pollution, and the growth of AI infrastructure. The project is currently undergoing a full environmental impact study, and the Orangetown Planning Board has not yet scheduled a vote on the application.
DataBank Inc. is facing ongoing opposition from local residents over its proposed expansion of an existing data center facility in Orangetown, New York. Neighbors have raised concerns regarding increased noise, pollution, and the broader implications of artificial intelligence infrastructure in their community.
The project is currently subject to a full environmental impact study, a prerequisite before it can advance. As of the article's publication, this study has not yet been submitted to the Orangetown Planning Board, and consequently, no vote on the expansion proposal has been scheduled.
News 12 was granted an exclusive tour of the DataBank facility, which provides critical support for various industries including healthcare and banking. JP Laqueur, Vice President of Marketing for DataBank, addressed public anxieties, suggesting much of the opposition stems from a "fear of AI" rather than issues with the long-established data center industry.
Town officials have not provided a timeline for when the Planning Board will next review the application, nor is there a set deadline for the environmental impact study's completion.