Stop The Data Center - Albany Ny

Petition: Stop the Kenwood Data Center and Protect Albany’s Resources

We, the undersigned, oppose the proposed data center at the former Kenwood Convent site in Albany, NY.

This project is being presented as “investment” and “innovation,” but Albany residents deserve full transparency before another major development is pushed into our community.

Recent reports say the proposed Kenwood Tech Center requested up to 180 megawatts of power capacity through NYISO. Even if the developer says actual use may be lower, that number raises serious concerns about Albany’s electric grid, water use, emissions, noise, land use, and who actually benefits from this project. (Times Union)

At the same time, Albany is being positioned as a national quantum technology hub, with IBM announcing a new quantum wafer foundry at Albany NanoTech as part of a proposed $1 billion CHIPS award. Quantum research, AI, cloud computing, and data centers are all connected through the need for massive computing power, cooling systems, fiber networks, and energy infrastructure. (IBM Newsroom)

While supporters claim these projects will bring opportunity, Albany residents have every reason to question who will truly benefit. Large-scale tech developments often rely on outside contractors, specialized labor, and corporate partnerships that do not guarantee lasting opportunities for local families. Meanwhile, the burden on Albany’s land, utilities, infrastructure, and neighborhoods remains here long after construction crews leave.

Residents also deserve answers about rising electricity costs. Many families are already struggling with high National Grid bills, yet there has been little transparency about why rates continue to increase while utility companies and government agencies benefit from surcharges and infrastructure costs passed on to consumers. Albany residents should not be forced to absorb even higher energy costs to support large-scale private developments. Before this project moves forward, the public deserves a clear explanation of how a high-demand facility like this could affect local electricity rates and whether residents will ultimately be expected to pay for grid upgrades or increased demand.

Data centers are not harmless warehouses. According to the International Energy Agency, data centers used about 415 TWh of electricity globally in 2024, and that demand is expected to more than double by 2030, with AI being a major driver. In the U.S., data centers could account for a major share of electricity demand growth. (IEA)

The U.S. Department of Energy also reported that U.S. data center load growth has tripled over the past decade and could double or triple again by 2028. Berkeley Lab estimates U.S. data centers consumed about 4.4% of all U.S. electricity in 2023 and could reach 6.7% to 12% by 2028. (The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov)

Water is another serious concern. Data centers often require large amounts of water for cooling, directly or indirectly through electricity generation. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute reported that U.S. data centers consumed an estimated 449 million gallons of water per day as of 2021. (Environmental and Energy Study Institute)

Albany residents should not be expected to sacrifice land, water, energy, and quality of life for projects that may not create long-term careers for Albany natives. Studies and policy experts have warned that data center job promises are often overstated, with many permanent jobs requiring specialized technical skills that local residents may not automatically have access to. (STPP)

We are asking the City of Albany, planning officials, and elected leaders to reject this project and stop the Kenwood Data Center from being built. Albany should not become a resource pipeline for corporations, speculative tech expansion, or out-of-town developers while residents are left dealing with the environmental and economic consequences.

We call for:

1. A complete environmental impact study
2. Public disclosure of projected water use
3. Public disclosure of projected electricity use
4. A grid impact study from National Grid/NYISO
5. Clear information on backup generators, emissions, and noise
6. Full transparency on contractors, hiring plans, and outside business involvement
7. Protection of Albany neighborhoods from industrial-scale development
8. No tax breaks or public incentives for private tech expansion projects
9. Public meetings held directly with Albany residents before approvals
10. A commitment to invest in Albany residents before corporate infrastructure projects

Albany deserves real investment: affordable housing, youth programming, job training, small business support, community safety, clean infrastructure, and opportunities for people already living here.

We are not against technology. We are against unchecked development that drains our resources while enriching corporations and outside interests instead of the people who call Albany home.

Stop the Kenwood Data Center before Albany’s resources are handed over to private developers and corporate tech interests.

Aajahle Garcia    Contact the author of the petition