TeraWulf’s Appeal Got Approved: What Happens Next?

On Monday, December 22nd, The Zoning Board of Appeals members voted on TeraWulf’s Appeals

The Board voted no to "Scientific Research Laboratory"

Voted No: Roger, Mary, Susan, Jack

Voted Yes: Rick

The Board voted no to "Warehouse/storage of Non-agricultural Goods"

Voted No: Mary, Susan, Jack

Voted Yes: Rick, Roger

The Board voted yes to "General Processing, Light Manufacturing and Assembly"

Voted No: Mary, Susan

Voted Yes: Rick, Roger, Jack

There was Little Discussion About "General Processing, Light Manufacturing and Assembly" During the Appeals Hearings

In the Code Enforcement Officer’s original determination, the 12/10 meeting and agenda, as well as the 12/16 public hearings and agenda, “general processing” and “warehouse” uses were lumped together. It was a surprise to us that they held two separate votes for these.

In a call to Jack Young, the ZBA chair, it was explained that having two separate votes actually made it more difficult for the applicant. This is because they would need to vote yes for just one use, not both, for it to be granted. For example, if two members voted yes for General Processing and one other member voted yes for Warehouse, the appeal would have been granted with a 3-2 vote, despite the uses being different.

What Happens Next?

TeraWulf's project application will now move to the Planning Board, where they will discuss and set limits on different aspects of the project (ex. Noise, water withdrawal from Cayuga Lake, backup generators, etc.) which could take months.

Even if the ZBA denied all appeals on 12/22, TeraWulf would have still gone to the Planning Board and requested to get the property rezoned as a Planned Unit Development (as they did in Somerset, NY for their AI/crypto facility).

This Isn’t Over

There is still time for you to get involved, organize, delay the process, and help us stop this AI Data Center before it starts. Stay up to date on the process, come to future Planning Board meetings, and inform friends and family about this issue. We cannot let TeraWulf win. Protect our lake, protect our people!

For Additional Information on the Public Hearings that Occurred on December 16th

  • See this Ithaca Voice Article

  • Check out our Instagram Reel of TeraWulf CEO Paul Prager’s inconsistencies about TeraWulf’s appeal:

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Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting Recap: Summary of Events and Next Steps