Beacon Falls, Connecticut Residents Oppose Data Center, Call for Moratorium
Residents in Beacon Falls, Connecticut are strongly opposing a proposed 100MW data center project, organizing protests, and submitting online petitions. They are urging town leaders to enact a moratorium, citing concerns about water supply, environmental impact, and noise. This marks a significant shift in public opinion compared to a previous, smaller data center proposal for the same site.
Residents of Beacon Falls, Connecticut, are actively opposing a potential large data center development, despite no formal application being filed. Homeowners have launched lawn sign displays and a social media campaign, alongside three online petitions with over 3,000 signatures, urging town leaders to reject the idea and consider a moratorium.
The proposed project, marketed by California-based real estate brokerage The Agency and developed by Torrington-based O&G Industries, describes a 294,000-square-foot "Beacon Falls Technology Center" on 49 acres, with up to 100MW of utility power and 33 on-site fuel cells. Residents like Brian Hourigan express concerns over water supply, environmental impact, and noise from a 24/7 operation.
Town officials, including Selectman Peter Betkoski, have stated that they cannot make a decision without a formal application, dismissing accusations of secretive dealings. However, local sentiment has dramatically shifted from four years ago when a smaller data center project on the same parcel was unanimously approved by town meeting residents, promising substantial tax revenue. Now, public meetings and selectmen gatherings are dominated by opposition, with no one speaking in favor of the data center or its potential economic benefits, prompting calls for transparency and action from elected officials.