Environmental concerns over data centers are intensifying in Orangetown, where activists are pushing back against a proposed expansion by DataBank.

Residents attended Tuesday night’s Town Board meeting as officials considered a local moratorium on new data centers. The debate comes as a statewide moratorium bill is also raising questions about whether DataBank’s Phase 2 expansion should be allowed to move forward.

Neighbors say the project would add to noise, energy and environmental concerns near residential areas.

“They are living through hell, candidly,” said David Rosen, a neighbor opposed to the expansion.

DataBank CEO Raul Martynek defended the project in an exclusive interview with News 12, saying data centers support modern life and generate major tax revenue.

“The data center industry is being singled out,” Martynek said.

Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny said the town is trying to respond to fast-changing public concerns.

The Orangetown Planning Board is expected to review the DataBank Phase 2 application on July 8.