Cromwell considers moratorium to pause new data center developments

CROMWELL, Conn. (WFSB) - The Cromwell Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to consider a six-month pause on data center development at a meeting on Thursday evening.

Developer emails shared

Last month, Cromwell’s mayor shared emails between town officials and data center developer Global Common.

The developer hopes to put a data center at an open space on Geer Street. The mayor said no formal proposal has been made, but plans for the location have already appeared on the developer’s website.

Records from a freedom of information request shared with Channel 3 show that town representatives have been discussing the project for more than a year.

Residents raise concerns

Residents raised concerns about the location’s proximity to Cromwell Middle School. One resident proposed changes to how data centers are regulated in town.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the zoning regulations proposal on Dec. 3.

Current zoning allows the data center by right, meaning no public hearing is required.

What a moratorium would do

Thursday’s meeting is expected to focus on a possible moratorium.

The mayor said a moratorium would give the commission more time to review the amended regulations. It also would prevent new applications from being submitted, the mayor said.

Thursday’s meeting is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Cromwell Town Hall.