Colchester residents fear what a possible data center could mean
Colchester residents are opposing a preliminary proposal by ReNew Developers for two data centers and fuel cell facilities at 42 Old Amston Road. No formal application has been filed, but residents attended a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and some called for a moratorium on data center development.
ReNew Developers has discussed a preliminary plan with Colchester officials for two 20,000-square-foot data center buildings and associated 4.99-megawatt fuel cell facilities on 17.15 acres at 42 Old Amston Road. The concept was reviewed by the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, but the commission took no action and no formal application has been submitted.
Dozens of residents attended a subsequent commission meeting, with 20 people speaking about their concerns or opposition to the possible project. Some residents urged the town to impose a moratorium on data centers, while Middletown Road resident Ron Fuhrmann called on neighbors to organize if an application is filed.