Lysander data center committee to discuss community priorities during state moratorium
The Town of Lysander's Data Center Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss community priorities for a proposed data center project, including water concerns and a noise ordinance. This work occurs while a statewide moratorium on new data center projects remains in effect in New York. The committee also aims to provide input as the state develops new guidance for local governments.
The Town of Lysander's Data Center Advisory Committee is holding a work session to address community concerns regarding a proposed data center project, amidst a statewide moratorium on new data centers in New York. The committee's discussions will focus on developing a community benefits agreement, mitigating ongoing water concerns, and creating a proposed noise ordinance. This local initiative aims to provide input and prepare the town for future decisions as New York State, led by Gov. Kathy Hochul, reviews the industry's impacts and prepares new guidance for local governments.
The statewide moratorium was established by an executive order from Gov. Kathy Hochul, requiring Empire State Development to gather feedback and publish a community investment framework within 60 days. Lysander officials emphasized the town's participation as crucial, given it is currently the only community in the area with a proposed data center project that has reached the state-level power application process through the New York Independent System Operator.
The advisory committee itself was formed as part of Lysander's own six-month moratorium on data center projects, approved earlier this year. Its mandate includes reviewing town codes, assessing potential impacts, and recommending updates before the local moratorium expires, ensuring the town is prepared if the project moves forward.