Local Business Owner Raises Environmental Concerns Over Data Center Plans

LeeAnn Mullen, owner of Tahoe Pines Wellness Center, LLC, has voiced significant concerns regarding plans for a data center near her business in Basom. The proposed site, located behind her property, falls within the STAMP (Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park) area. Mullen’s worries center around potential environmental and health impacts associated with the development.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) initially approved a data center project in March 2025. However, those approvals were recently revoked. According to Mullen, the developer, Stream Data Center, intends to submit a proposal for a larger facility at the same STAMP site. This development has raised alarms among local residents and business owners alike.

Mullen, who has 35 years of experience in medical management and wellness, purchased her property online in 2009 with the intention of establishing a wellness center. She was attracted to the area’s natural beauty, which includes the surrounding pine trees and the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge. For Mullen, the location represented an ideal setting to launch her business, stemming from her roots in Lake Tahoe.

Her concerns highlight the potential clash between economic development and environmental preservation. Mullen argues that the introduction of a large data center could disrupt the local ecosystem and negatively impact the health of nearby residents. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the area’s natural beauty and preserving its wildlife.

In her letter, Mullen calls on local authorities and the community to consider the long-term implications of allowing such a facility to be built in close proximity to residential areas. She believes that the health and well-being of the community should take precedence over economic interests.

As discussions continue regarding the future of the STAMP site, local residents are encouraged to engage in the conversation. Mullen’s advocacy reflects a growing sentiment among those who prioritize environmental health alongside community development.