Tonawanda Town Supervisor John Flynn: Data center proposed for Tonawanda Coke site now 'on hold'
A proposed data center project at the former Tonawanda Coke site in Tonawanda, NY, has been put on hold due to delays in securing electricity supply from NYISO and the potential for a statewide moratorium on data center construction. Town Supervisor John Flynn announced the delay, citing a state bill that could impose a one-year moratorium to study resource usage. The developer, Riverview Innovation & Technology Campus, however, states the project is not on hold but has temporarily delayed the review process while awaiting clarification on power availability from NYISO and National Grid.
Tonawanda Town Supervisor John Flynn announced that a proposed data center project for the former Tonawanda Coke site is now on hold. According to Flynn, his office and the Town Planning Board were informed by the developer about the decision to delay further development due to two primary factors.
The first reason cited is a backlog at the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which is experiencing delays in reviewing applications for adequate power supply to such facilities. Additionally, Flynn noted that New York state lawmakers in Albany are considering a bill to impose a one-year moratorium on new data center construction statewide to allow for a comprehensive study of resource impacts, including electricity and water.
While Supervisor Flynn indicated the project was pulled from the Town Planning Board's agenda, the developer, Riverview Innovation & Technology Campus, issued a statement clarifying that the project is not truly "on hold." They affirmed their commitment to developing the historically contaminated site and stated that they have temporarily delayed the project's SEQRA and site plan review with the Town of Tonawanda Planning Board while awaiting further details and clarification from NYISO and National Grid regarding power availability and infrastructure upgrades. Opponents of the data center plan had reportedly urged residents to attend the planning board meeting to speak against the project.