Fishkill board weighs new zoning, referendum for 'high‑consumption' projects after AI data‑center concerns

The Town of Fishkill board opened a preliminary discussion on drafting a local law to regulate what members called "high‑consumption" developments after residents warned that proposed AI data centers could overwhelm local utilities.

Resident and county legislative candidate Mike Shade told the board a proposed East Fishkill facility would consume as much energy as "800,000 homes," and urged Fishkill to adopt zoning that would give residents a direct vote on very large projects. "A project that could fundamentally change our community should never move forward without the people of Fishkill having a say," Shade said during public comment.

Council members responded by proposing a new ordinance that would (1) define thresholds for resource use (electricity, water, other public utilities), (2) require planning reviews for such projects and (3) make approval subject to a mandatory public referendum. The sponsor said the proposal is not an outright ban but a way to return the decision to voters rather than leave it solely to board or planning officials.

Board members discussed technical questions and constraints raised by utility companies and planners. Concerns included whether approval would require applicants to guarantee their projects would not cause rate increases for existing customers and whether developers would be required to offset impacts with on‑site renewable generation or applicant‑funded public information campaigns. One member suggested that any required public information campaign be paid for by the applicant.

The board asked the town attorney to prepare a draft local law and consult the town engineer and building inspector on sensible thresholds. No formal vote was taken; the request for a draft was the next procedural step.

Why it matters: The proposal would give voters a direct role on major projects that could place heavy demands on the town’s water and power systems. Supporters said it protects residents’ quality of life; opponents cautioned the town to avoid rules that could be circumvented by clever project design or that would unintentionally block desirable economic opportunities.

What’s next: Town officials asked the attorney to draft ordinance language and return to the board for further review and public discussion, with potential public hearings after the draft is posted.