Massena town board votes down data center moratorium
The Massena town board rejected a six-month moratorium on data center development in a 3-2 vote, advancing plans for a data center project by NCCS near the former Alcoa East plant. The decision followed a contentious public hearing where citizens raised environmental and resource consumption concerns, while advocates emphasized potential economic benefits.
The Massena town board in New York recently voted 3-2 against implementing a six-month moratorium on data center development, paving the way for a proposed data center project by developer NCCS. This decision came after a contentious public hearing where residents vocalized concerns about the environmental impact, particularly regarding artificial intelligence development and the data center's potential power and water consumption.
NCCS plans to build a data center near the former Alcoa East plant, which would draw 400 megawatts of power from the New York Power Authority. The company noted its project is exempt from a statewide moratorium on data centers because it does not require additional discretionary permits from the State Department of Environmental Conservation. To address water concerns, NCCS stated the facility would use a closed-loop cooling system, which significantly reduces water usage.
Local business owner Bill Fiacco spoke against the moratorium, arguing it would deter developers. Former Massena Mayor Jim Hidy also expressed satisfaction with the board's decision, anticipating economic growth for the town. Despite the rejection of the moratorium, the town must still conduct several studies, partially funded by NCCS through an escrow account, before construction can commence.