Community Bulletin Board

Town of South Bristol Advances Proposed Data Center Ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2026

SOUTH BRISTOL, N.Y. — The Town of South Bristol has begun the process of enacting a town-wide ban on data centers, following strong public support at recent Town Board meetings.

At a public hearing last night, South Bristol Town Hall was filled with residents who spoke against data center development. The Town Board heard approximately a dozen statements, all in favor of a ban.

Canandaigua Lake, the third-largest Finger Lake by volume, is a defining feature of South Bristol’s landscape and identity. As proposed data center developments have raised concern in communities on Seneca and Cayuga lakes, Town Supervisor Lisa Moore has worked with the town’s Community Engagement Committee to examine the issue and explore potential local protections.

The committee invited Dan Lamb, Deputy Supervisor of the Town of Dryden—the first municipality in New York State to ban data centers—to share his community’s experience. Lamb and other speakers emphasized the importance of acting proactively, before developers express interest in a specific site, when adopting land-use restrictions may become more challenging.

Across three town meetings, dozens of residents have used the public comment period to express support for a ban.

“South Bristol encompasses more than 20% of Canandaigua Lake’s shoreline and plays a critical role in the lake’s watershed,” said Supervisor Moore. “Our residents deeply value this aspect of our town’s identity. I am in no way surprised that they strongly support this action.”

The town has solicited input from the town and county planning boards and is conducting a review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

In light of the strong public support expressed to date, Supervisor Moore anticipates that the Town Board will adopt a ban before the end of the year.

Media Contact:

Lisa Moore
Town Supervisor, Town of South Bristol
Email: lisa.moore@southbristolny.gov
Phone: 585-374-6341