Proposed Data Center Development and Town Moratorium
Town of Tonawanda
Summary
Residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about noise, heavy water and power demands, and potential pollution from a proposed massive data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site. Officials noted that environmental reviews with state agencies are ongoing.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Significant private investment expected, with potential tax and utility rate implications for local ratepayers.
The developer and tech operators seeking large-scale artificial intelligence computing capacity.
Nearby residents who could face increased noise, higher utility rates, or environmental disruption.
Mentions & discussions (12)
Town of Tonawanda approves moratorium to halt building of data centers for the next year
Town of Tonawanda approves moratorium to halt building of data centers for the next year WGRZ
North Tonawanda Extends Data Center Pause as AI Conversion Plan Faces Pushback
North Tonawanda Extends Data Center Pause as AI Conversion Plan Faces Pushback TheEnergyMag
Digipower X looking to repurpose NT crypto facility into data center
Digipower X looking to repurpose NT crypto facility into data center niagara-gazette.com
Town Board - Regular — June 8, 2026
Residents turned out in large numbers to express intense opposition to potential AI data center development on the former Tonawanda Coke site, citing severe risks of water depletion, high electricity rates, noise pollution, and industrial degradation. Town officials noted that the project is currently on hold due to state grid backlogs and a newly passed state legislative moratorium, while citizens strongly urged the town board to enact a local municipal moratorium.
DigiHost presents plans to transition to AI data center in North Tonawanda
DigiHost presents plans to transition to AI data center in North Tonawanda Audacy
Planning Board - Regular — June 3, 2026
A massive 500,000-square-foot artificial intelligence data center proposed for the former Tonawanda Coke site drew massive public pushback. Over 400 residents attended and 6,827 signed a petition opposing the project due to extreme electricity and water usage, noise, backup diesel pollution, and potential strain on local taxpayers.
Tonawanda AI data center project delayed amid ongoing debate
Tonawanda AI data center project delayed amid ongoing debate WIVB News 4
Conflicting statements on status of data center proposed for Tonawanda Coke site: Tonawanda Supervisor says on hold, developer says not on hold
Conflicting statements on status of data center proposed for Tonawanda Coke site: Tonawanda Supervisor says on hold, developer says not on hold WGRZ
Proposed data center on former Tonawanda Coke site generating pushback from community
Proposed data center on former Tonawanda Coke site generating pushback from community Audacy
Town Board - Regular — May 18, 2026
Residents raised concerns about proposed data center development, highlighting potential negative impacts on water consumption, electricity costs, and noise levels. They urged the board to consider a moratorium to study environmental and community impacts.
Planning Board - Regular — May 6, 2026
Residents and environmental advocates raised concerns about noise, heavy water and power demands, and potential pollution from a proposed massive data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site. Officials noted that environmental reviews with state agencies are ongoing.
Town Board - Regular — April 6, 2026
A representative from Clean Air Coalition urged the town to examine Niagara Falls' high-energy overlay district and consider a temporary moratorium on data center developments following plans filed for the Riverview Innovation Technology Campus.
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