Dennis joins Greenidge advisory group

Dennis joins Greenidge advisory group

DRESDEN-Greenidge Generation announced Monday, March 1, that former Yates County Legislative Chairman Tim Dennis has joined the company as chairman of its advisory group. First elected to the county legislature in 2007, Dennis represented District 2 (Benton, Potter, Torrey) until his retirement in 2019, having served as legislative chairman for four years, from 2014 through 2017.
According to a press release from the company, he will assist Greenidge in identifying new ways to build upon its record of community stewardship and communicate the opportunities for upstate New York presented by Greenidge's data center.
"Tim Dennis has been a pillar of leadership and integrity in Yates County for decades, both as a trusted veterinarian and then as a county legislator," said Dale Irwin, President and CEO of Greenidge. "Known for his no-nonsense, 'just the facts' approach, Tim cares deeply about the future of Yates County. He has seen the economic and environmental progress we have made at Greenidge and is excited to help us build on that record."
"I have lived in this community for a long time, as everyone knows, and I am extremely impressed with what Dale and the team have done at Greenidge," said Dennis. "They have invested over $70 million while keeping every commitment they made to both the community and the environment. Greenidge has created a facility that provides the power we need when we need it, supports our local businesses through thick and thin and is developing a behind-the-meter cryptocurrency operation that is bringing high-tech jobs and innovation right here to the Finger Lakes. That is a powerful story, and I am excited to be part of writing their next chapter."
Dennis will lead an advisory group that will help guide Greenidge's path in the months and years to come. Additional members of the group will be announced in the coming days.
According to Greenidge, their development presents a unique, one-of-a-kind opportunity for the state of New York and the Finger Lakes region. This includes an increase in local and state tax revenues, creates local jobs and leads to innovation. Greenidge employs 30 people full-time, and additional onsite contractors.
In October of 2020, a public comment period was held for a proposed expansion at Greenidge. The project primarily includes the installation of a data processing facility and the associated site improvements in four structures each built on concrete slabs. Prior to the comment period, the town of Torrey planning board determined the proposed data center would not have a significant adverse environmental impact provided specific conditions were met.
In December, a lawsuit was filed by environmental groups and individuals against Greenidge Generation LLC, the town of Torrey and the Torrey planning board. Then in January 2021, the Yates County Planning Board voted to recommend against authorizing the construction project. This means the project will now go back to the Torrey planning board which could still approve it with a majority plus one vote. The next meeting of the planning board is March 15.