Town of Manlius approves 12-month moratorium on data centers
The Town of Manlius has unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data processing centers and commercial cryptocurrency mining operations. Town Supervisor Sara Billinger stated that this pause is crucial to address local utility concerns and allows the town to update its zoning code and comprehensive plan, ensuring future development benefits the community.
The Town of Manlius, New York, has unanimously passed a 12-month moratorium on the development of data processing centers and commercial cryptocurrency mining operations. The vote was 7-0.
Manlius Town Supervisor Sara Billinger emphasized that the moratorium is a necessary step to protect Central New York residents who are currently facing high utility bills and power outages. She criticized "Silicon Valley developers" for making large promises without considering the local community's burden. Billinger also highlighted the significant energy demands, citing that 28 large data centers planned for New York state are projected to require nearly 10,000 megawatts from the state's power grid. She stated that such development is not desired in Manlius.
The Supervisor further explained that the moratorium provides the town with time to revise its zoning code, update its comprehensive plan, and study future development in the Genesee-Burdick Corridor. This strategic pause aims to empower the community to control its future development and ensure that any new projects genuinely benefit its residents.