UPDATE: The Athens Town Board has just approved a six-month moratorium on the development of data centers in the town, a decision made during a critical meeting on Monday evening. This urgent measure is designed to give officials the necessary time to draft regulations addressing the environmental and safety concerns associated with these facilities.
The unanimous vote follows a public hearing where only one resident, Sarah Steimel from Sleepy Hollow, voiced her support for the moratorium. She raised alarms about potential impacts on the community, particularly regarding the energy consumption and cooling practices of data centers, as well as the release of PM 2.5, hazardous fine particles linked to serious health risks.
Steimel emphasized the need for caution, stating, “Sometimes it’s impacting communities before a full assessment of their impact is realized.” Her concerns echo those of many residents and local officials who fear the ramifications of unchecked data center development.
During the hearing, Town Supervisor Michael Pirrone acknowledged the environmental and safety issues at stake, highlighting the Board’s commitment to creating comprehensive regulations. “We want to apply planning and zoning regulations that ensure safety for our residents and first responders,” he asserted.
Pirrone noted that while no data center proposals are currently on the table, the moratorium aims to anticipate future developments. He assured residents that the town is proactively addressing these issues amid rumors of potential data center projects. “There are rumors, they are only rumors,” he stated. “No one has contacted me or the code enforcement officer regarding development inquiries.”
The Board’s decision reflects growing concerns over energy demands and environmental impacts, particularly with backup generators often reliant on diesel fuel. This concern is critical as such operations could exacerbate local air quality issues, particularly the emission of PM 2.5 particles, which the Environmental Protection Agency warns can be harmful if inhaled.
Pirrone expressed his intentions for the upcoming regulations, stating there may be limitations on land size, structure size, and power requirements for any future developments. “We are trying to be ahead of the game and have all our bases covered,” he reassured.
The moratorium is a significant step in addressing the potential challenges posed by data centers, ensuring that community voices are heard before any decisions are made. Local resident Steimel expressed her appreciation for the Board’s proactive approach, emphasizing the importance of public health and environmental safety in the face of rapid technological advancement.
As the town navigates this crucial period, residents are urged to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing discussions surrounding data center regulations. The Board plans to collaborate with the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to develop regulations that are both effective and considerate of community needs.
NEXT STEPS: The Athens Town Board will continue to work on drafting meaningful regulations throughout the six-month moratorium. Residents are encouraged to participate in future discussions to ensure their concerns are addressed.
