Town Board hears support and opposition for proposed moratorium on data centers, AI and crypto operations

The Town Board held a public hearing on proposed Local Law No. 6 of 2026, which would impose a temporary moratorium (up to 12 months) on zone changes or special permits for large‑scale data centers, artificial intelligence computing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations and similar high‑intensity computing uses while the town undertakes a study and public input process.

Deputy Supervisor Joseph Bick told the board the moratorium is proposed as Onondaga County has announced funding for a $500,000 study to examine community impacts and solicit public input. Bick framed the measure as a pause to allow thorough review of engineering, community and county‑level analysis. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Brotherhood contacted the Deputy Supervisor expressing opposition to the moratorium. Councilor Eugene Young said he favored the moratorium, citing likely high electricity use from large data‑center operations and the need to better understand impacts. Resident Michelle Bristol said she supported the pause, stating "it's just common sense to pause and take a minute to understand it." Kris Beckett also voiced support for delaying approvals while county and town studies proceed.

Deputy Supervisor Bick said the town had previously spent time on battery storage code development and must take the same care with new technologies and large computing facilities. The hearing was closed with public comment recorded; adoption of the moratorium would be a board decision subject to the town's legal and procedural requirements and could remain in effect up to 12 months if adopted.