Trumbull residents seek to block data center expansion after town enacts moratorium

Trumbull, Connecticut residents are actively opposing the expansion of an existing data center at 80 Merritt Blvd., despite the town's recent enactment of a two-year moratorium on new AI data centers. Opponents, led by Sarah Beck, express disappointment that the moratorium does not cover the proposed modernization and expansion of the current facility, which they argue presents risks related to public health, environment, utilities, and costs. They are now fundraising to petition the Trumbull Planning and Zoning Commission to amend its regulations to define "data center" and extend the moratorium's scope to include the 80 Merritt Blvd. expansion.

First Selectwoman Vicki Tesoro has assured residents that the expansion by new property owner Aphorio Carter, who intends to lease to 365 Data Centers, will not increase electrical draw, noise, water use, or building footprint. Tesoro highlights the project's economic benefits, including over $100 million in investment from Aphorio Carter and significant annual property tax revenue for the town without abatements. The facility, formerly owned by Digital Realty, was recently assessed at $81 million and is now Trumbull's top taxpayer.

Despite these assurances, residents remain concerned about the potential for increased power and water consumption associated with modern AI data centers, which are significantly more demanding than traditional ones. UConn assistant professor Shinsuke Tanaka noted that data centers' high energy usage, often from fossil fuels, can contribute to air pollution with regional health impacts. Opponents also criticize the lack of public discussion surrounding the project, citing the demolition of one of the property's buildings this summer without apparent public input.