Western NY residents once again blast data center proposal

Residents of Genesee County, Western New York, gathered for the third time in a year to express strong opposition to a proposed $19 billion data center campus by Stream U.S. Data Centers at the STAMP industrial park. The public hearing, hosted by the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), saw over 100 people vocalize concerns ranging from noise and vibrations to environmental and spiritual costs, and a massive $1.46 billion tax incentive package. Speakers like Alabama resident Cheryl Cordes and Dr. Kirk Scirto, a Buffalo physician, highlighted potential health impacts from the data center's continuous operation, citing issues like stress, insomnia, and migraines, drawing parallels to a nearby cryptomining facility. Terry Abrams, a member of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, criticized the $11.7 million-per-job subsidy package, emphasizing that the social and environmental costs far outweigh any economic benefits. The project, which would cover over 38 football fields and require 500 megawatts of electricity, is largely financed by Apollo Global Management. While construction unions spoke in favor, citing 6,000 potential jobs, local officials like Christian Yunker, chair of the Genesee County Legislature, argue the data center would provide crucial revenue for local water system improvements. However, opposition remains strong, with residents calling for investment in the community rather than the data center.