Near Watertown, locals push to restrict data centers as talks of a new facility loom
Residents in LeRay, New York, are opposing a proposed data center project, citing concerns over land, water, and energy consumption. In response, the LeRay Town Board enacted a 12-month moratorium on data centers, while Governor Kathy Hochul has already signed a statewide one-year moratorium on data centers.
Residents in LeRay, Jefferson County, New York, are actively pushing to restrict data center development in their town, located near Watertown. Last Thursday, locals protested at the town hall, expressing concerns about potential impacts on land, water usage, and energy costs. LeRay resident Sue Anderson voiced fears that the region's landscapes would be destroyed for corporate profit.
The opposition comes in response to a proposed project by Central New York broker Allen Olmstad, who is marketing hundreds of acres in LeRay for a new data center. Olmstad has stated his aim for a more sustainable facility, not primarily for Artificial Intelligence, that would also include its own solar energy generation. However, he acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We don’t want to see it continue to suck a million gallons of water a day, or 300 megawatts of power a day."
In response to community pressure, the LeRay Town Board agreed to enact a 12-month moratorium on data centers. LeRay Town Supervisor Lee Carpenter told WWNY-TV that he currently does not support the proposed facility, emphasizing the need for community support, water, and power. This local action follows a broader statewide measure, as Governor Kathy Hochul has already signed a one-year moratorium restricting data centers across New York, making it the first state to do so.