Borrello, Blakeman call Stream data center a local control matter

State Sen. George Borrello and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recently addressed the proposed Stream U.S. Data Centers campus at WNY STAMP in Genesee County, New York. Speaking at a press conference in Batavia, both officials emphasized that decisions regarding such projects should remain with local authorities rather than state intervention from Albany. Borrello, a former county government official, stated his trust in the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and local elected officials to act in their communities' best interests. Borrello acknowledged community opposition to the data center but critiqued what he called hypocrisy, contrasting it with acceptance of solar sprawl that creates fewer jobs. He highlighted the project's potential to generate over 100 permanent, well-paying jobs, in addition to hundreds of construction roles. Blakeman, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, echoed the call for local control but linked the data center debate to broader energy policy, warning that the facility's substantial energy demands could drain power from the rest of the state. He advocated for a diverse energy strategy including natural gas, nuclear, and new power plants. The Stream project outlines plans for three two-story buildings, totaling approximately 2.2 million square feet, across 150 acres at the WNY STAMP park. The proposal has met with strong resistance from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, whose territory borders the park, as well as various environmental and community groups. Stream updated its application to the GCEDC in late February, increasing its projected investment to nearly $19.5 billion and its request for tax incentives to about $1.437 billion. A public hearing on this revised incentive package was conducted on March 19 at the Alabama fire hall.