Naugatuck mayor sets strict conditions for any proposed data center

Mayor Hess opened extended discussion of a potential data center on borough‑owned land and laid out three absolute preconditions for the borough to consider a proposal: the facility must not take electricity from the grid, must not withdraw water from the Naugatuck River, and must meet satisfactory noise and environmental controls. He said the borough would also require zoning approval, public hearings and state and federal environmental review if any proposal advanced.

Hess said the revenue case is large — roughly $14,000,000 per year in his estimate — and that the borough will not offer tax incentives or use TIF or other rural funds for due diligence. "Under no circumstances will we allow a data center that will take electricity from the grid," he said. He added that if these conditions cannot be met, any proposal will be rejected automatically. Hess told the board that due diligence would include review by state agencies and the borough's own consultants, and that the public will have multiple opportunities to comment before any zoning or approvals are granted.

Board members and residents raised environmental concerns during public comment and emphasized that the borough should proceed with caution. A resident suggested the borough post short clips of meeting discussion so the public can see exact remarks rather than rely on social media summaries; staff confirmed meetings are posted to YouTube within 24–36 hours and links can be shared.

The mayor said the borough will review proposals only if developers can meet the stipulations and pay the threshold revenue; he repeatedly stressed that protection of rates, water quality and river recovery were non‑negotiable.