A proposal to build a data center in Nottingham, New Hampshire, has been withdrawn in its early stages after facing intense opposition from locals.

Local businessman Tom Moulton had submitted a conceptual consultation request to the Town of Nottingham’s Planning Board to discuss a proposal for a data center at Nottingham Business Park, located at 145 Old Turnpike Road.

Moulton bought the property back in September 2021 for $900,000, according to reporting by Seacoastonline, and Moulton told InDepthNH on May 20 that the data center would take up 40 acres of land.

But Moulton withdrew his application on May 27 in a letter penned by his lawyer stating that Moulton appreciated “the public’s engagement and the importance of addressing questions and concerns in a thoughtful and responsible manner.

“In order to allow the applicant to conduct additional research, further evaluate the property and the proposed use, and determine whether this is an appropriate use for this site, the applicant is withdrawing the pending Conceptual Consultation Request without prejudice.”

But the letter by Moulton’s lawyer indicated that the businessman could resubmit his proposal.

“If the applicant determines that the project should be revisited, it intends to do so at a later date with additional information and with the goal of being able to provide appropriate answers to the Planning Board, abutters, residents, and the public at large.”

A petition against the facility has received more than 29,000 signatures. Despite the withdrawal of the proposal, the petition states that “we must keep a close eye on this and work on pushing for legislation, and zoning regulations before he comes back.

“This is not something we are going to forget about.”

Moulton is the owner of De Niro Construction, a construction firm with experience in commercial and residential projects, and the CEO and president of the Sleepnet Corporation, which designs and manufactures masks for those with sleep apnea.

Most of New Hampshire’s data centers are clustered around Manchester, located in the state’s south. Nottingham is about 30 miles (48km) northeast of Manchester in Rockingham County.