Proposed Micro Data Center in Concord, NH Faces Opposition as Planning Process Advances

A proposed micro data center at 52 Locke Road in East Concord, New Hampshire, is encountering resistance from local residents as its development application moves forward. The Concord planning board recently voted to schedule a public hearing for October 21 regarding the project.

Natalie Hilts, a resident living near the site, has actively opposed the plan, citing concerns about environmental impacts and the pace of development. She argued against the 'micro' designation, emphasizing that even small data centers have significant impacts and called for better regulations. The project, proposed by Northpoint Engineering and landowner Granite Municipal Manufacturing & Sales, LLC, would feature an 8,160-square-foot building, with 7,220 square feet dedicated to data center space, utilizing 'single-phase immersion cooling technology' designed to minimize water usage compared to larger AI data centers.

Other residents, like Mila Paul, expressed horror at the proposal, questioning its timing given Governor Kelly Ayotte's recent statement supporting a multiyear moratorium on new data centers in New Hampshire, to be formalized in the next state budget by July 2027. Paul also noted that the developers had previously sought approval for a different type of industrial development on the same site, suggesting a profit-driven motive.

Data centers generally face widespread opposition due to environmental concerns and energy grid strain. Despite the local contention, the planning board's action allows the project to proceed to the public hearing stage.