Hours of opposition: Raucous data center hearing in Alabama

The Alabama Fire Hall in Alabama, New York, was the scene of a raucous six-hour public hearing regarding a proposed $19.5 billion, three-building Stream data center planned for the Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP). The hearing, which stretched until midnight on Monday, was intended to gather feedback on the data center's site plan. Of the 72 individuals who spoke, 63 voiced strong opposition to the project, including area residents such as Laura Grote of Lockport, Valerie Staats of East Amherst, Alyssa Beuler of Oakfield, and Janice Laben of Darien Ctr., as well as naturalists and members of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. Attorney Stephen Daly of Citizen Environmental Law PLLC also spoke against the development. The Alabama Planning Board was urged to reject the proposal. Conversely, eight speakers expressed support for the data center, all representing labor unions interested in working on the project, including Greg Inglut of Angola. Colm Curran, Design Manager for STREAM U.S. Data Centers, also spoke at the meeting. Protesters were also seen outside the fire hall prior to the meeting. Alabama Town Board member Brett Naas and Town Attorney Mark Boylan were present as the board listened to the public feedback. The overwhelming sentiment from the public was against the project, underscoring significant community concern.