Hearing on incentives for massive data center at STAMP shows strong opposition for project

A public hearing held in Alabama, New York, regarding significant tax incentives for a proposed $20 billion data center project by Stream Data Centers at the STAMP site, drew over 300 attendees, revealing intense community opposition. Stream Data Centers is seeking $1.43 billion in sales tax exemptions and over $31 million in mortgage tax exemptions. While proponents like Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, argue the project aligns with regional "tech hub" goals and promises $700 million in municipal revenues over 30 years and 1,200 construction jobs, many residents expressed profound concerns. Chief Scott Logan of the Bear Clan of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, and Valerie Parker-Campbell and Melissa Smith, also members, spoke against the project, citing threats to Tonawanda culture, sacred medicines, wildlife displacement, and potential health problems from 24/7 noise. Kacey Stewart of Elba, program director at Daemen University, highlighted the project's potential to fragment four wildlife management areas and disrupt the Oak Orchard Creek, which generates $28 million annually from fishing in Orleans County. Opponents, including Jim Joyner, a Town of Alabama resident, advocate for a three-year moratorium on new data centers, a measure proposed in the State Legislature, to allow for thorough study. Jennifer Durham, living near STAMP, and Evelyn Wackett, a wildlife rehabber, raised alarms about constant noise and its impact on residents and local bird populations. Diane Ciurczak of Buffalo, vice chair of the Sierra Club Niagara Group, criticized the unprecedented scale of the tax incentives and demanded a full environmental impact study, expressing concerns about noise, traffic, drilling, diesel generators, and the massive 500 megawatts of electricity required. Despite strong support from union representatives for the construction jobs, the overwhelming sentiment at the hearing was against the project, with some even suggesting legal action to stop it.