Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Charlestown Split Over Proposed $105 Million Data Center

The decision will weigh a private investment that promises jobs and revenue against nearby residents' concerns about noise, traffic and water use.

Overview

  • QLEVR LLC has proposed a 3-megawatt, 55,000-square-foot data center on 12 acres in Shadow Lake Industrial Park with a reported cost of $105 million and estimated 14–16 months of construction.
  • The company and an economic report say the project would start with 8–12 full-time jobs and could grow to about 20 positions averaging roughly $76,266 a year.
  • Nearby homeowners say the site’s close proximity will increase noise and traffic and erode the area's rural character, with some residents already publicly objecting to the plan.
  • The developer says cooling will use closed-circuit water—initially 60,000–70,000 gallons then roughly the daily use of three to four homes—and city documents state no soil or water contamination is expected.
  • Local leaders have posted proposal documents for public review, Mayor Treva Hodges has said the city would not grant tax breaks, and officials are managing a contested review process with a written-comment deadline for inclusion in the board packet.