Southtowns Record

tbm09.28.2026

Government
Town of West Seneca
Board
Town Board
Meeting
Sep 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Posted by publisher
Oct 9, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Energy and data center siting, Moratoriums, Water, sewer and drainage, Budget and taxes, Parks and recreation, Roads and traffic, Public safety, Zoning and land use, Audits and oversight

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 2 of 9

WEST SENECA COURT ROOM  DRAFT TOWN BOARD
1250 Union Road  Meeting 2026-18 Minutes
West Seneca, NY 14224  September 28, 2026

the closed systems
- Data centers often provide their own power and the town could benefit from the additional power
- In his opinion, the town should not be afraid of advancement and the town needs the advancement
or will get run over by it

Jean, Seneca Street:
- Does not support data centers and should not allow them
- Referred to Erin Brokovich's work related to data centers around the world and other resources
available
- There are many detrimental effects of data centers up to many miles away from them

James Randolph, West Bihrwood Drive:
- Supports the moratorium
- The decibel average is between 92 - 96 and is continuous
- Careful consideration must be made and spoke to the detrimental effects on property values and
quality of life

Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, to close the public hearing.

Ayes: 4  Noes: 0  Abstain: 0  Motion Carried

Supervisor Dickson stated that, in his opinion, three big issues are water, electricity, and noise. The
facility in North Tonawanda is an example of allowing a facility into the town and then being stuck
with noise issues that would be almost impossible to fix. Another concern is the NYS school property
and the fact that NYS does not follow local zoning laws. NYS implemented a moratorium on data
centers 50-megawatts and larger. Supervisor Dickson stated that he cannot think of any suitable
location in town for any business generating a significant amount of noise.

Councilmember Breidenstein stated he agrees with Mr. Randolph's statements about the decibel
levels data centers generate and compared the noise to the 100 decibel level at the Buffalo Bills
home opener game. Although there are locations in town where data centers could be located, the
town should do their due diligence regarding data centers and supports the moratorium.

Councilmember Sherman referred to the language of the moratorium, specifically the paragraphs
stating the moratorium would not apply to healthcare facilities and schools and questioned why they
must be excluded. Mr. Trapp stated they do not have to be excluded, but explained the entities are
not doing this for commercial purposes but solely for their own use. Supervisor Dickson stated there
are no pending requests and would like to remove the paragraphs.

Councilmember Robertson supports the moratorium to allow the town to do diligent research.

Councilmember Breidenstein supports the town having a lower megawatt level than NYS.

Motion by Supervisor Dickson, seconded by Councilmember Breidenstein, to adopt Local Law 2026-
11 Moratorium on Data Centers with the following amendment: removal of the two paragraphs
concerning healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

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