Harwinton discusses pause on data centers, battery storage facilities and solar
Harwinton's zoning commission is discussing a potential moratorium on data centers, battery storage facilities, and solar projects after receiving inquiries for such developments. The town currently lacks specific zoning regulations for these technologies. Residents and town officials have expressed concerns about the impact on local resources like electricity, water, and road infrastructure.
The Harwinton Zoning Commission is currently evaluating a proposal for a moratorium on new data centers, battery storage facilities, and solar installations. This comes after the town, which presently has no specific zoning regulations for these technologies, received several inquiries regarding their development.
Chairman Theodore Root noted the town's limited industrial and commercial property, expressing surprise at the inquiries. Residents, including Lillian Busse, voiced concerns that Harwinton lacks the necessary infrastructure, such as sufficient electricity, adequate sewer systems (with most homes on septic), and road capacity, to support such developments.
First Selectman Michael Criss labeled data centers, battery storage facilities, and solar projects as "bad news" for the town, urging the zoning commission to focus on developments that could significantly alter Harwinton's landscape. The commission has decided to postpone drafting a moratorium until they gather more information, with discussions slated to continue at their next meeting in August.
The consideration of a moratorium in Harwinton follows similar actions by other Connecticut municipalities. New Haven recently enacted a year-long pause on data center applications to establish appropriate zoning guidelines, a move supported by New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. West Haven, Groton, and Morris have also adopted similar temporary halts.