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Old Tappan council adopts resolution opposing DataBank Orangeburg expansion after public concerns
Summary
The Old Tappan mayor and council adopted a resolution opposing the proposed DataBank Orangeburg Phase 2 project across the state line in Orangetown, N.Y., citing concerns about power demand, a 70,000-sq.-ft. substation, noise and potential watershed impacts; residents and environmental commissioners urged intermunicipal and legislative action.
The Borough of Old Tappan council adopted a resolution opposing the DataBank Orangeburg Phase 2 LGA‑4 application in Orangetown, New York, after members raised environmental, infrastructure and emergency-response concerns.
Council President Boyse read a draft resolution into the record describing the proposal as including a data center and a 70,000-square-foot outdoor electrical substation. The resolution says the existing and proposed data centers “will require 80,000 to 90,000 megawatts of power or roughly the equivalent of a 150,000 homes” and warns that additional substations and generators could challenge local emergency services and harm the Lake DuPont watershed. Boyse said the borough’s environmental commission and residents influenced the draft; he moved to record the resolution for adoption and the council seconded and passed the measure.
Public commenters urged broader, cross‑boundary action. Dave Rosen thanked the council for the resolution and described the regional scale of the project, saying the existing 150,000-square-foot data center on the site will consume about 45 megawatts, and warned that other private equity developers plan more centers nearby. Peter D. Hall, chairman of the Harrington Park environmental commission, urged coordination with neighboring municipal environmental commissions and suggested working with the Hackensack Riverkeeper; Chi Van reported persistent noise that prevents opening windows and tree removal behind homes. Rob White, a recreation volunteer, also urged outreach because environmental and service impacts would extend beyond Old Tappan.
The resolution directs copies to Orangetown’s planning board and to regional and federal officials. Council members said they will continue outreach to legislators and to neighboring towns and environmental groups. The council closed public comment and moved into an executive session after the meeting’s formal business.
