Cromwell residents are opposing a potential data center planned for a roughly 160-acre site on Geer Street, near the town’s middle school, schools and parks. At a recent zoning board hearing, homeowners called for a one-year moratorium on data centers, while others organized an online petition. No formal zoning application has been filed, but Long Island-based energy services entrepreneur Global Common is advertising a facility there and says it intends to seek approval in early 2027.

Global Common describes the project as a 159-acre campus powered by natural gas from three Enbridge interstate pipelines. It says Phase 1 would provide about 40 megawatts of IT power within 18–21 months of an equipment deposit. A full build-out of more than 300 megawatts could be delivered within 26–32 months of deposits or phased in over several years. The company says the facility would occupy about a third of the site, preserve open space along Geer Street and replace an existing sand-and-gravel trucking operation. It says site plan approval is required, but no zoning permit.

Mayor James Demetriades said Tuesday that the town had received no data center application. If one is submitted, it would go through public hearings before the zoning and wetlands boards. Residents’ concerns include the facility’s size and location, construction disruption, health, the environment and property values. Jake Dressler, a local attorney, said the proposed 1.2 million square feet would be roughly the size of Westfarms Mall. A group opposing the project posted on Reddit, drawing 108 replies.

Last month, Cromwell’s planning and zoning commission rejected a proposed moratorium in a 5-2 vote. Opponents are discussing whether to try again. The debate parallels opposition in Beacon Falls, where a landowner has advertised a 100-megawatt data center but has not sought state or local permits.

Cromwell residents are opposing a potential data center planned for a roughly 160-acre site on Geer Street, near the town’s middle school, schools and parks. At a recent zoning board hearing, homeowners called for a one-year moratorium on data centers, while others organized an online petition. No formal zoning application has been filed, but Long Island-based energy services entrepreneur Global Common is advertising a facility there and says it intends to seek approval in early 2027.

Global Common describes the project as a 159-acre campus powered by natural gas from three Enbridge interstate pipelines. It says Phase 1 would provide about 40 megawatts of IT power within 18–21 months of an equipment deposit. A full build-out of more than 300 megawatts could be delivered within 26–32 months of deposits or phased in over several years. The company says the facility would occupy about a third of the site, preserve open space along Geer Street and replace an existing sand-and-gravel trucking operation. It says site plan approval is required, but no zoning permit.

Mayor James Demetriades said Tuesday that the town had received no data center application. If one is submitted, it would go through public hearings before the zoning and wetlands boards. Residents’ concerns include the facility’s size and location, construction disruption, health, the environment and property values. Jake Dressler, a local attorney, said the proposed 1.2 million square feet would be roughly the size of Westfarms Mall. A group opposing the project posted on Reddit, drawing 108 replies.

Last month, Cromwell’s planning and zoning commission rejected a proposed moratorium in a 5-2 vote. Opponents are discussing whether to try again. The debate parallels opposition in Beacon Falls, where a landowner has advertised a 100-megawatt data center but has not sought state or local permits.