Citizens voice concerns to City Council: data center will 'leave us high and dry'

Concerned citizens gathered at Batavia City Centre and spoke before the Batavia City Council to voice strong opposition to a proposed Stream Data Centers facility slated for the adjacent town of Alabama, within Genesee County. Speakers, including Sandy Steele, highlighted fears of job losses, environmental damage to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, excessive water usage, noise, and increased electricity costs. RaeAnn Engler specifically mentioned that the data center and its ties to Apollo Global Management would have "consequential negative effects," particularly on the town of Alabama and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, and criticized the firm's financial dealings, including a nearly $1.5 billion tax abatement through a PILOT agreement with the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). The citizens also raised ethical concerns regarding Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan's past communications with Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting "questionable and unscrupulous dealings" by the private equity firm. They implored the Batavia City Council to make an official stand against the project, despite it being outside the city's direct jurisdiction. Suggestions included endorsing a year-long moratorium on further data center development, adopting a resolution to reject the STREAM project, and sending a letter of opposition. While City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. initially noted the issue was not on the agenda, Councilman Sammy DiSalvo pushed for a discussion, citing the significant impact on residents and future generations. Jankowski agreed to add the topic to a future conference agenda for discussion, acknowledging that the council represents all residents, even on issues outside its direct purview.