Resident, GCEDC president and CEO argue over data center project
A heated discussion unfolded after a Genesee County Economic Development Center meeting, with a local resident challenging the proposed STREAM U.S. Data Centers project in Alabama, New York. Residents expressed opposition, while the GCEDC provided updates on environmental reviews and affirmed sufficient electrical capacity for the 500MW data center.
A contentious exchange occurred following a Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) meeting, where Batavia resident Sandy Steele confronted GCEDC President and CEO Mark Masse over the proposed STREAM U.S. Data Centers project in Alabama, New York. Steele, joined by other county residents holding signs, accused the GCEDC Board of not representing the county's interests and questioned potential financial compensation for board members. Masse reiterated that the board is volunteer-based and uncompensated, citing financial disclosure requirements.
The resident also questioned a public vote regarding the project, prompting Masse to clarify that the Town Board had unanimously rezoned the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) property for development in 2012. During the formal meeting, Masse updated the board on ongoing project reviews, including GHD's assessment of STREAM's sound study, which now includes infrasound and low tonal frequencies, and CC Environment and Planning's report on potential wildlife impacts.
Crucially, the GCEDC received a final letter from Dennis Elsenbeck of Phillips Lytle, confirming sufficient electrical capacity at the STAMP site for a 500-megawatt data center. The letter addressed public concerns, stating the project aligns with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals by primarily using renewable energy and is unlikely to increase electricity rates for other consumers, potentially benefiting them through contributions to the state's power grid fixed costs and generating sales tax revenues. The board approved additional payments to CC Environment and Planning and Phillips Lytle for SEQR application review, which STREAM will reimburse, and a cost reimbursement agreement with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for substation design review.