Town board sets data center moratorium law for public hearing on June 10

The Bethlehem Town Board unanimously voted on May 27 to schedule a public hearing for June 10 regarding a proposed 12-month moratorium on data center development within the town. Board member Thomas Schnurr, who drafted the Data Center Moratorium Act, stated that the temporary halt would allow Bethlehem to create "appropriate guardrails" and enact guidelines for data centers.

Schnurr cited significant concerns about potential data center impacts, including massive water and power consumption, noise, air pollution, and strain on existing infrastructure. Town of Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for preparedness due to data centers' serious ramifications for water supply and the electrical grid. The moratorium is intended to protect the community from the rapid proliferation of data centers seen across New York State and urban areas.

This initiative comes shortly after the former Kenwood Commons owner filed an application to include a data center on a site near Bethlehem's town line, which the Times Union reported could draw up to 180 megawatts of electricity. Guild Venture, the current owner of the site, stated that the actual power draw would be much lower than a hyperscale facility. Schnurr noted that while the Kenwood project raises issues about power rates and pollution, the Town can only control what happens within its boundaries.

Schnurr also reported overwhelming resident support for the moratorium, with only one person opposing it during the May 27 board meeting's public comment period. Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace has scheduled a meeting to discuss the Kenwood proposal and data centers. Bethlehem Economic Development & Planning Director Robert Leslie confirmed there are no pending data center applications in Bethlehem, though Schnurr believes areas like South Bethlehem could be attractive due to open spaces, proximity to the river, and existing infrastructure.