Ellicottville Town Board to Consider Moratorium on Battery Storage and Data Centers
Ellicottville Town Board to Consider Moratorium on Battery Storage and Data Centers
Officials schedule a public hearing on a proposed battery storage and data center moratorium while addressing short-term rental enforcement, infrastructure projects, and a shared IT services study with the Village.
The Town of Ellicottville Board discussed several significant planning and infrastructure issues during its June 17 meeting, including a proposed temporary moratorium on battery energy storage systems and data center projects, shared information technology services with the Village, and ongoing efforts to improve compliance with the town's short-term rental law.
One of the evening's most notable discussions centered on emerging battery storage and data center developments. Town Planner Greg Keyser said current zoning regulations do not specifically address these types of facilities, prompting concerns about potential impacts such as noise, visual appearance, and fire safety, while also recognizing there could be economic benefits to the community.
Board members agreed that additional research is needed before considering permanent regulations. The Board voted to schedule a public hearing for July 15 on a proposed local law establishing a temporary moratorium on battery energy storage system and data center projects, allowing the Town time to evaluate potential zoning amendments before new projects move forward.
Keyser also reported that the Town and Village have been awarded a $12,500 Local Government Efficiency grant to study the feasibility of sharing information technology services. An assessment found the two municipalities currently operate with three servers, three IT consultants, and two separate phone systems. Officials believe consolidating services could reduce long-term costs while allowing each municipality to maintain its own operations. The Village is currently reviewing the proposal, and Town officials plan to meet with Village representatives to discuss the study further.
Building Inspector Kelly Frederickson reported there were no new short-term rental license applications during the past month. However, the Town has identified 22 properties advertising as short-term rentals without licenses. Follow-up letters will be sent directing property owners to either apply for a license or discontinue advertising (renting short-term). Citations and fines will be issued for those who remain out of compliance.
The Board addressed several infrastructure projects. Engineer Ben Gross reported that the only bid received for the HoliMont water replacement project came in at approximately $225,000 - well above the Town's budget. The Board rejected the bid, and Gross said the Town may instead complete the work in-house for an estimated $120,000.
In other business, the Board scheduled a July 15 public hearing on a proposed local law to override New York State's tax levy limit for the 2027 fiscal year if necessary during the upcoming budget process. Officials also approved updated Water Service Regulations, while discussion on the Town's phone policy and proposed alarm law was postponed until next month's meeting.
The Ellicottville Town Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm at the Town Hall, 1 W. Washington St. For additional information including previous meeting minutes and upcoming agendas, go to townofellicottvilleny.gov.