Small town decides moratorium can’t stop NY’s biggest data center from moving in
A developer plans a 630-megawatt data center on the site of a former aluminum smelter in Massena, despite New York's one-year moratorium on new data center development. Town officials believe the project is exempt because it may not require new permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, while residents raise concerns about noise, water use and energy costs.
A developer is planning a 630-megawatt data center at the former aluminum smelting plant in Massena, St. Lawrence County, with construction expected to create about 2,000 temporary jobs and up to 200 permanent positions. The project could become one of New York's largest data centers and is being promoted as an economic opportunity for the former industrial town.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a one-year moratorium on new data center development, but Massena officials say the project may be exempt because it does not appear to require new permits from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Town Supervisor Ray Lancto said the moratorium would not apply. Local opponents remain concerned about noise, water consumption and electricity demand, including the potential effect on utility bills, while supporters emphasize job creation and redevelopment of a shuttered industrial site.