Can a Data Center Replace GM & Alcoa? | Samuel Carbone Makes His Case

Massena Deputy Town Supervisor Samuel Carbone is making a case for a proposed data center in Massena, New York, emphasizing the town's prime electrical infrastructure as a significant advantage. Carbone explains that Massena possesses extensive electrical equipment, including numerous substations and power lines from Canada and the east, making it an ideal location for high-energy users. He believes this infrastructure, historically serving large industries like GM and Alcoa, is currently underutilized and can be leveraged by a data center to generate substantial tax revenue, filling an economic void left by previous industrial closures. Carbone references a 2021 speculation about a data center at the former Alcoa 'racer site' and a $4 million McKenzie study that recommended finding high-energy users like data centers to revitalize the downtown.

The discussion also touches on environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage and cooling systems. Carbone addresses past poor optics of taking water from the St. Lawrence River, advocating for a closed-loop cooling system to mitigate environmental impact, citing his experience with such systems. Residents voice concerns about potential river pollution and increased electricity bills, while Carbone suggests establishing a fund to offset these costs or support other community projects like solar panels and arts programs. He stresses that the town is in financial debt, with a struggling local economy, and that new businesses like a data center are crucial for increasing property assessed value to balance the town's books, rather than raising taxes.