Tonawanda data center proposal sparks debate
A proposed $2 billion AI data center in Tonawanda, New York, is facing significant community opposition due to energy and environmental concerns. Despite the state legislature passing a one-year moratorium on new data center permits, a local lawmaker is pushing for an outright denial of the project. Residents have actively opposed the development at local planning board meetings.
The proposed $2 billion AI data center at the former Tanawna Coke site on River Road in Tonawanda, New York, has been a source of contention for months. Community groups express concerns over the project's potential energy and environmental impacts, while the developer argues it would revitalize a contaminated industrial site.
New York's state legislature recently enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center permits. However, local lawmaker Bill Rivera, who supported the moratorium, is now advocating for the state to outright deny the Tonawanda project rather than merely pausing it. This stance is supported by local residents, with 200 people attending a recent Tonawanda planning board meeting in opposition. Rivera emphasized that Western New York is pushing back against unwanted development, signaling that this project represents a critical point for the community.
While a specific developer was mentioned, their name was not identified in the transcript.