UPDATE - 4/22/26 - The Mayor put an article in the Bristol Edition on 4/20/26

https://bristoledition.org/blog/2026/04/20/mayors-column-lets-talk-about-data-center

To catch everyone up - A data center is being proposed to build on Riverside Ave (the old Dodge) on the Pequabuck River.  The Bristol Inland Wetlands Commission approved the permit early April 2026 (it became public on April 9th, 2026). 

Note: this is NOT the final approval, look at it as overcoming a major hurdle.   We still have time to ask questions, stay informed and let the city know how we are feeling about this.

To answer a few questions, the fuel cell is natural gas.  In my opinion, when you have fuel, water, and a river, that is a RISK. 

We need to prevent contamination to the river, maintain compliance, and ensure runoff is controlled - we NEED to have active monitoring of the site. 

The people of Bristol have questions: 

The majority of Bristol isn't happy about COVANTA.  Learning about this data center adds another layer of uncertainty when it comes to chemicals, clean air, water and pollution.  

What will this business do?

Will they be buying the property &will they pay property taxes? 

Are there any current or future incentives offered to the company?

How was this project classified for zoning?  A Fuel Cell is under State Jurisdiction, not local zoning - and we want to know if this was done deliberately to pass Bristol's Zoning Committee. Did the building get industrial use for local zoning? Does Bristol have zoning rules for "Data Centers"?

Why are most people (and city council) just learning about this?

When is this project estimated to be fully completed?

Why is this project located near the Pequabuck?

What chemicals are used in the cooling system of the data center?

What is the spill contamination plan?

How is stormwater treated before leaving the site?

What happens during a flood event (this is important near a river)

Who will be monitoring the water quality of the Pequabuck? Will this data be public information?

Who verifies the compliance every year, 5,10, 25 years down the road?

What happens in a flood or a drought? How much water will they continually need from the Bristol Water Department on a monthly basis?

Gray Wolf Data Centers is the Company, they are also working with a developer, ReNew Developers.  People are asking to follow the money - what do we know so far how this will help Bristol?

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April 

The current proposal to build a data center on Riverside Avenue near Memorial Boulevard threatens to introduce several negative impacts to Bristol. Increased noise pollution, excessive energy consumption,  heightened water usage and toxins are among the primary concerns.

**wetlands apparently approved for a permit**  we must do damage control at this point. 

While data centers are advancements of the modern age, it is important to look at the strains on local resources and potentially higher energy costs for residents.

Economic growth and development should not come at the expense of the health and well-being of residents. The proposed site for the data center is in close proximity to residential areas and schools. 

We need to prioritize cleaner, more sustainable development projects. 
Please sign this petition to demand our city leaders seek alternative, more beneficial development options that truly serve the interests of all Bristol residents.

Let's come together to protect the future of Bristol for ourselves and our children.