Albany council supports statewide data center construction pause
The Albany Common Council officially backed a statewide one-year moratorium on hyperscale data center construction, a measure that has passed the New York State Legislature and awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature. This support comes as a local site owner plans a data center, drawing concerns from community groups about environmental and infrastructure impacts.
The Albany Common Council has officially endorsed a proposed one-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center construction in New York. The measure, which passed the New York State Legislature earlier this year, now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature to become law. In a 13-0 vote with one abstention, the Common Council expressed its support on Monday.
Councilmember Deborah Zamer, who introduced the city's resolution, stated that the pause would allow state and local governments to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of data centers and to refine zoning laws and regulations. The council's decision comes amidst plans by Guild Ventures, owner of the former Kenwood Convent site, to build a data center in Albany, although no formal plans have yet been submitted to the city.
The proposed data center was a key motivator for approximately 25 protesters who attended the council meeting. Bryan Paz-Hernandez, a co-facilitator of No Kings Albany, voiced concerns that large data centers contribute to noise pollution, significant water consumption, and increased electricity costs due to demands on local utility infrastructure. A spokesperson for Guild Ventures declined to comment on the matter.