In towns where data centers have already been built, citizens are sounding the alarm that damaging consequences are making their communities un-livable. 

It doesn’t make sense that the Massena Town Board voted 3 to 2 against establishing a 6 month-moratorium to examine risks to our town.

Concerned people in Massena have been signing petitions against a data center, attending informational meetings and protesting because they already know the environmental and negative-impact facts. The Board, on the other hand, is listening to the developers who are ‘“selling” the idea. 

Board Member Mr. Hollander said, “The developers seem willing to work with us and earnestly try to make the community better”. And how exactly are they going to do that? 

I attended an informational meeting about data centers at the Massena Library and listened to a scientifically-factual presentation outlining the far-reaching detriment to communities. Every citizen’s question of concern, directed at the company representatives, was met with soothing reassurances. 

Of course, they’re going to claim that poor air quality, noise, river pollution and an electricity drain won’t be a problem. What do they care? They don’t have to live here.

The company claims it will bring “jobs and prosperity” to Massena. And who doesn’t want that? Those of us who grew up here remember a bustling town. But Alcoa, Reynolds and GM left without a thought as to how it would gut the community. They left behind a Superfund river clean-up site of industrial waste and a higher-than-average cancer rate. Lessons learned?

Yes, there will be construction jobs - but only temporarily. There will also be construction debris in our landfills, more pot holes from heavy construction vehicles and transient renters taking no pride in our neighborhoods.And full-time jobs? Are these viably paid, desirable jobs enabling employees to move here and raise a family? Who knows?

These data companies prey on remote communities suffering from economic decline. Apparently, Town Boards believe whatever these company propagandists promise - as was the case in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Then on 9/11/26, a computer glitch and a broken value at their data center resulted in 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel leaking into the Hackensack River. Is Massena willing to risk that?

Abotut 70% of American people are against having dangerous data centers in their communities. Don’t let Massena be the next town making national headlines for being duped. 

Martha Hodges
Massena