In the small town of Nottingham, New Hampshire, a proposed data center has sparked significant opposition among the local community. The project, spearheaded by Thomas Moulton, aims to establish a data center along Route 4, but has yet to see an official proposal submitted to the town.

Community Concerns

Residents are voicing their concerns about the potential impact on the town’s electric grid and local watershed. The Nottingham Planning Board is set to hold a hearing on the proposal, which has already been moved to the local elementary school to accommodate the anticipated large crowd. Protesters are expected to gather outside the meeting, and an online petition opposing the project has garnered over 20,000 signatures.

Moulton, addressing the backlash, expressed his frustration with the community’s reaction, stating, “I haven’t even had my voice heard yet, and everybody is coming out of the woodwork, and they want to lynch me. It’s like, ‘Come on people, relax.'”

Statewide Implications

Governor Kelly Ayotte has publicly opposed the establishment of data centers in New Hampshire, citing concerns over potential increases in energy costs. This opposition adds a layer of complexity to the local debate, as the state government’s stance could influence the project’s future.

The situation in Nottingham highlights the tension between development and community interests, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and environmental impacts are closely scrutinized by residents who value their local resources and way of life.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.