Individuals share concerns about data centers during Massena event
Residents in Massena, New York, expressed strong opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, citing environmental concerns and a lack of public input. Opponents highlight potential increased energy demand and questioned the town board's process for changing zoning laws and granting tax incentives. They advocate for a public referendum on the project.
Residents of Massena, New York, voiced significant concerns regarding a proposed data center during a recent news conference at Massena Town Hall. Ronni Sunday from Mohawks United in Safety and Health (MUSH) and Massena resident Suzanne Patnode spoke out against the development, which is slated for the former Alcoa East site.
Sunday, a co-founder of MUSH, emphasized her community's history of resisting what she termed "reckless development" and criticized data centers for promoting increased environmental harm and energy demand. Patnode echoed these sentiments, alleging that community voices are being disregarded by the Massena Town Board in discussions surrounding the project. She noted that while opponents have attended town and planning board meetings, their opportunities for public discussion have been limited, despite town officials' assurances of future public input as the project progresses.
Patnode cited an instance where a meeting agenda was reportedly changed to prevent activists from speaking and suggested a public referendum on the data center, comparing its importance to a recent vote on library funding. She expressed worry about the long-term impact on the community and her daughter's future. The proposed data center site is currently zoned industrial, but data centers are not authorized in that zone. Patnode indicated that the town board might attempt to change zoning laws to accommodate the project, potentially allowing developers to secure Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs, which she opposes.