Planning staff outlines state and town moratoria on data centers, batch concrete and cannabis processing; board told consultants will be needed

Planning Department staff updated the Planning Board on July 13 about several moratoriums and code-review efforts the town board is pursuing.

Staff reported that the governor signed a bill imposing a 12-month statewide moratorium on certain data-center developments and directing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to prepare a generic environmental impact statement and recommended development standards. The memo advises that local review workload could be substantial and that the town board is considering consultant support to evaluate code changes and resource implications (water, power, odor control). Staff also described a town-level review and potential moratorium on batch concrete mixing facilities and noted ongoing work to evaluate community solar rules using neighboring towns' experience and state guidance.

Board members discussed whether advisory committees or task forces should be formed, options to quantify impacts in zoning text (for example restricting megawatts per acre rather than only building footprint), and the need for clear, measurable code language to avoid ambiguity. Staff said the town will coordinate stakeholder outreach and that planning board members and other committees may be asked to participate in targeted meetings.

Staff recommended consultant assistance for technical analysis and said the town board will decide on committee formation and final scope of any regulations.