Concord Planning Board defers decision on ‘micro’ data center proposal
The Concord Planning Board deferred a decision on Levitate Inc.'s proposed micro data center on Locke Road, requesting more detailed information about its electricity use, grid impacts, growth potential and noise. Residents strongly opposed the project, citing energy demand, wetlands, cooling-fluid risks and backup generators, while the board continued the hearing to Nov. 18.
The Concord Planning Board postponed action on Levitate Inc.'s proposed micro data center on Locke Road after a late-night public hearing dominated by resident opposition. The company estimates the facility would use 13.5 megawatts for its servers, potentially consuming about 118,260 megawatt-hours annually, and the board sought additional information about grid effects, future expansion, noise and other operational issues.
Residents argued that the project could harm protected wetlands, create risks from cooling fluid and diesel generators, and establish Concord as a testing ground for future facilities. Councillor Brent Todd and other board members requested independent utility analysis and further demonstrations, while attorney Ari Pollack, representing the applicant, said the application was complete and legally permitted under its administrative classification. The continued public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18.