‘It’s a nuisance’: Harlem neighbor raises concerns over data center noise
Residents near Google’s Pumpkin Center data center construction in Harlem say round-the-clock work is causing disruptive noise, including rumbling and beeping late at night. Columbia County confirmed it granted the developer permission to work 24 hours a day under a temporary exception to the county’s normal construction hours, and the schedule is expected to continue for at least another month.
Neighbors in the Greenpoint neighborhood across from Google’s Pumpkin Center data center construction site in Harlem reported hearing construction noise and equipment beeping past 11 p.m. Reporter Ethan Hunter said Columbia County’s ordinance generally limits construction to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., but allows permits for work outside those hours for 30 days.
Columbia County confirmed that the company developing the data center received permission to operate around the clock from Monday morning through Saturday evening, with limited crews working on Saturday nights and Sundays for equipment maintenance. The developer requested an extension of the schedule, which the county approved for at least another month as crews continue clearing and grading more than 3,000 acres. County officials said the overall project will take years to complete.