Watkins Glen will look at zoning laws

Watkins Glen will look at zoning laws

WATKINS GLEN--In an effort to be prepared for potential interest in Bitcoin mining in Watkins Glen, Mayor Luke Leszyk said during the Tuesday, April 20 meeting the board of trustees would begin analyzing new zoning laws. Along with that announcement, the board voted unanimously to ask the state Department of Environmental Conservation to study and develop regulations for cryptocurrency mining.
"The town of Torrey did approve the expansion for Greenidge (Generation) so that is already done, but this is asking the state to monitor [the issue,]" Leszyk said.
He further explained they would be examining the local codes due to the fact Bitcoin mining consumes a substantial amount of energy. The low cost of electricity in the village makes it an attractive area for digital mining prospectors.
The issue of cryptocurrency mining has become a hot-button issue in the Finger Lakes as Greenidge Generation expands its current Bitcoin mining operation on Seneca Lake in a natural gas power plant. Rumors of additional locations have expanded as the digital currency continues to increase in value and more mining locations are sought. Along with Watkins Glen, Leszyk said he expects the Schuyler County Legislature to pass a similar resolution asking for DEC regulation in the near future.
"I know that the county had a similar resolution and I did learn that they tabled it and they are waiting on Yates County to make their decision before deciding to vote on it," Leszyk stated.
After the meeting, Leszyk said the board would keep an open mind regarding cryptocurrency mining and hasn't made up its mind one way or the other.
"This is so new to everybody... we should probably address it in our zoning... because this is something we never had to deal with before," said Leszyk. "It's premature to say, but just talking to the (electric supervisor,) the grid right now probably couldn't sustain that much of a draw on it. But we haven't decided on it either way, but we knew once it was drawn to our attention we should have something written in our zoning laws."
Along with new zoning laws for cryptocurrency mining, Leszyk added the board would also begin the process of discussing marijuana zoning laws. While local municipalities will have no authority to prevent people from using marijuana, they will have the ability to prohibit the sale locally.
"We want to get community input about what they want to see...we can't prevent the usage but we can control if we let dispensaries in the village," Leszyk said.
As an option, Leszyk discussed a hypothetical of allowing the sale in the village, but limiting the number of dispensaries and limiting where they can open in the village. However, Leszyk was clear that no decision one way or the other has yet been made regarding marijuana or cryptocurrency mining.
"We want to put some zoning laws in place so we have guidance, right now we have no guidance in place," Leszyk said. "This is all new to us, every time something like this comes up we have to be flexible and address it."
The board also highlighted Boy Scout Troop 250 for their efforts on April 17 to clean up village parks on the lake.
"They did a wonderful job and really helped us out."