Charlestown board advances data center proposal with stipulations
A data center proposal for Charlestown's Shadow Lake Business Park narrowly advanced through the Charlestown Advisory Plan Commission with a 4-3 vote, despite significant community opposition. Residents voiced concerns about water and energy usage, noise, ecological disruption, and the project's impact on their peaceful community. The city is also considering a moratorium on new data centers and updating its Unified Development Code, though this would not affect the current proposal.
The Charlestown Advisory Plan Commission voted 4-3 to advance a roughly 55,000-square-foot data center proposal for the city's Shadow Lake Business Park, despite strong community opposition. The decision was made after a tense, standing-room-only meeting where dozens of residents spoke out against the project.
Community members expressed concerns about potential impacts on water and energy usage, noise, harm to children and wildlife, and disruption to their peaceful neighborhood. Jordan Flaherty, a resident living near the site, highlighted that the land is not isolated but is an area where families reside. Sarah Zehnder presented a petition with over 800 signatures, representing close to 10% of Charlestown's population, opposing the development.
Developers Qlever LLC and ION Louis LLC stated the facility would use up to 5 megawatts of electricity and a closed-loop water cooling system, claiming it would be quieter than typical industrial sites and not negatively impact regional electricity. However, residents criticized their use of subjective terms like "small" and "low-impact." Mayor Treva Hodges expressed frustration, noting community fears and the spread of misinformation, and wished the developer had provided more in-depth information earlier.
While the proposal advanced, it came with stipulations, including an eight-foot berm with trees, blasting surveys, and an environmental study. Charlestown is also in the process of updating its Unified Development Code and considering a moratorium on new data centers, although these future regulations would not apply to the current project.