Fairfield County Begins Community Meetings on Potential Data Center Development
Fairfield County is holding community listening sessions about potential data center development, with the first meeting scheduled in Jenkinsville. County officials say no data center permits have been filed and that a moratorium is currently in place while residents’ concerns about electricity costs, taxes and neighborhood property values are considered.
Fairfield County is beginning a series of community meetings to gather residents’ views on potential data center development, including a first town hall at the Monticello Community Center in Jenkinsville on Oct. 22. The area near Lake Monticello has been identified as a possible location because of its zoning and proximity to the nuclear station.
Residents, including Fairfield County resident Mark Little, are seeking answers about possible effects on electricity prices, taxes and the cost of living. County leaders said the initial meetings will be listening sessions, followed by tours of existing data centers and discussions with jurisdictions that have undergone similar development. Officials said developers and property owners have discussed possible projects, but no permits or pre-permits were filed before the county’s current moratorium took effect. The county hopes the process will eventually produce community agreements to protect nearby neighborhoods and property values.