South Bristol to hear public comment on proposed data center ban
South Bristol officials will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning law that would prohibit data centers and AI computing facilities throughout the Ontario County town. The proposal has not been adopted, and the town cited concerns about energy and water demand, natural resources, rural character and the Canandaigua Lake watershed.
The South Bristol Town Board scheduled an Oct. 12 public hearing on a proposed local law that would prohibit data centers, AI computing facilities and related infrastructure throughout the town. The draft would cover server buildings, cooling and water-supply systems, backup power equipment and electrical substations, and would take effect only if adopted and filed with New York state.
Town Supervisor Lisa Moore said the proposal is intended to protect South Bristol's natural resources and rural character. Officials specifically cited potential energy and water demands and the Canandaigua Lake watershed, while the article noted that no data center has been proposed in South Bristol and that the board has not announced a vote on the law.