Grand Island weighs in on proposed neighboring data center project
The Town of Grand Island is formally requesting the Town of Tonawanda to consider potential impacts of a proposed AI data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site on neighboring communities. Despite a statewide moratorium pausing the project, Grand Island's Town Board passed a resolution addressing environmental, infrastructure, energy, and quality of life concerns.
A proposed AI data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site in the Town of Tonawanda, New York, is facing scrutiny from its neighboring community, the Town of Grand Island. Even with the project currently on pause due to a statewide moratorium, leaders in Grand Island are urging Tonawanda to consider the potential impacts on their community.
Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter Morrison noted that the Tonawanda Coke site has historically impacted Grand Island, and the separation by the Niagara River does not mitigate these concerns. On June 15th, the Grand Island Town Board unanimously passed a resolution asking Tonawanda to carefully consider the potential environmental, infrastructure, energy, visual, and quality of life impacts on neighboring communities if the project moves forward, encouraging an open dialogue between the towns.
However, not all residents share the same level of concern. Don Herspeck, who lives near the proposed site, views the data center as a potential catalyst for revitalizing a long-industrial area, bringing jobs and increasing the tax base. The project's future remains uncertain, contingent on state action and how its effects on communities on both sides of the Niagara River are addressed.