Massena data center project continues to receive pushback as town reviews code
A data center project in Massena, New York, is facing significant community and government pushback over environmental concerns and code compliance. The Town Planning Board has referred the project to the Zoning Board of Appeals for interpretation on whether the proposed site is permitted. Meanwhile, town officials are reviewing current code language, and a neighboring town is considering its own moratorium.
The proposed data center project in Massena, New York, continues to draw controversy and pushback from local residents and officials. The Town Planning Board recently decided to refer the project to the Zoning Board of Appeals for an interpretation of whether the former Alcoa East location is a permitted site for such a development.
NYDIG and its subsidiaries, which currently operate a colocation facility at the site with North Country Collocation Services, plan to construct three new buildings ranging from 450,000 to 515,000 square feet. Planning Board Chair Vance Fleury indicated that the board would thoroughly vet the project without rushing a decision, citing significant environmental impact concerns raised by county planning board members and local residents.
The project faces strong opposition, including from the advocacy group Mohawks United in Safety and Health (MUSH), which held an "emergency mobilization" and engaged directly with NYDIG officials. Assemblyman Scott Gray has also weighed in, calling for the governor to veto a potential state-wide moratorium on data centers, arguing that local communities should retain control over such projects. County officials, while sympathetic to residents' calls for a county-wide ban, noted they lack the legal authority to enact one, emphasizing it's a local municipal issue. The town of Canton is also reportedly considering its own moratorium on data centers.