Harwinton’s zoning commission is considering a moratorium on data centers, battery storage facilities, and solar installations. The town currently lacks zoning regulations for these types of operations, but recent inquiries have prompted the commission to explore the possibility of a temporary pause on applications.
Concerns Over Resources and Infrastructure
Residents have raised concerns that data centers could deplete the town’s resources, including electricity and water. Lillian Busse, a local resident, expressed worries that the town’s infrastructure is not equipped to handle the demands of data centers. “We don’t have enough electricity. We do not have enough of the sewers, because most of the town here has septic systems,” she said. “And the traffic, our roads just aren’t ready for it.”
New Haven recently implemented a year-long moratorium on data centers to assess their suitability for the community. Other towns, including West Haven, Groton, and Morris, have taken similar approaches. Harwinton’s first selectman, Michael Criss, has expressed concerns that data centers, battery storage facilities, and solar installations could have a negative impact on the town.
The zoning commission has decided to gather more information and discuss the issue further at their next meeting in August. As the town considers its options, residents and officials will be weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of these types of operations.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
