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Clay board opens hearing on 12-month moratorium for large-scale data centers and AI computing
Summary
The Town Board opened a public hearing on proposed Local Law No. 6 to impose a temporary, up-to-12-month moratorium on zone changes or special permits for large-scale data centers, AI computing facilities and cryptocurrency mining while the county-funded study proceeds; supporters cited caution, unions expressed opposition.
Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick opened a public hearing on June 15 on proposed Local Law No. 6 of 2026, which would impose a temporary moratorium — for up to 12 months if adopted — on zone changes and special permits for large-scale data centers, AI computing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations and similar high-intensity computing uses in the Town of Clay.
Bick said the hearing comes after the Onondaga County Executive announced $500,000 in funding for a study intended to gather public input and analyze potential community impacts. "We must now do the same with the Data Centers," Bick said, urging a thorough review of engineering, public input and county dialogue before policy changes are finalized.
Councilor Eugene Young voiced support for pausing new approvals while the town evaluates the potential electricity demand and other impacts of these facilities. Resident Michele Bristol told the board she favored a pause, saying, "it's just common sense to pause and take a minute to understand it." The IBEW Brotherhood contacted the Deputy Supervisor to register opposition to a moratorium, the board reported.
Supporters said the moratorium would create time for public hearings, technical studies and intergovernmental coordination; opponents argued a pause could harm job creation or investment. Deputy Supervisor Bick said the town should proceed with diligence and public engagement before adopting a permanent regulatory framework.
The public hearing was closed later in the meeting. Any formal adoption of Local Law No. 6 would be a subsequent board action; the proposed moratorium itself states it could remain in effect for up to twelve months from the date of adoption while the town studies and considers permanent regulations.
