Keep open mind on data centers, ex

New York (WWNY) – As residents voice concerns over a potential data center in Massena, a former village mayor is offering a different perspective

7 News sat down with James Hidy to hear his message to the community about the future of Massena.

Voices were raised, and so were signs reading, “You can’t drink data,” at a recent Massena town board meeting.

“The heat output, noise pollution and potential chemical runoff can harm any environment,” a resident said.

The concerns center on a potential data center planned for Massena. NCCS, one of the project developers, says this is an expansion of existing operations at the former Alcoa East plant.

According to its website, the project would create 200 permanent jobs and be the largest taxpayer in town.

“They’re being built somewhere, and there are communities out there that are really gaining good ground with them because of their return investments in the communities,” Hidy said.

Hidy, a former mayor and Massena resident, says the proposal comes at a critical crossroads for Massena, a community he says is in financial hardship.

“Right now, the local government, the town, the village, particularly the town because this is their potato, is you have to educate the people where we are financially. It’s rough, and it’s going to get rougher,” Hidy said.

Residents are worried a data center may drive up energy costs. Hidy says that won’t fall on residents, but on the company.

“The rates aren’t going to go up to where you’re going to feel it. It’s because they’re going to take care of that portion,” Hidy said.

The project website says it’s adjusted plans to alleare feet and eliminating the need to withdraw water from or into local waterways

The former mayor’s message is to be open to learning more.

“Not everybody is going to agree, one side or the other side. But be civil enough to listen to both sides, and at the end of the day make your opinion,” Hidy said.

A petition to support a three-year moratorium on data centers in the town has more than 450 signatures. In July, the state passed a one-year moratorium.

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