Sutton weighs $16 billion data center plan
The Kraft Group and Unified Global Packaging Group propose a facility that could add $27.8 million in annual tax revenue, but residents worry about traffic and noise.
By Carolina Wood ·
A $16 billion data center proposal has landed on the desk of the Sutton Select Board, forcing the town to decide whether to build a massive facility in an area that is currently undeveloped. The development would sit at the intersection of Boston Road and Providence Road, roughly 10 miles south of Worcester. While the financial upside is substantial, local residents are divided on whether the town can handle the physical changes.
The project is a joint venture between The Kraft Group and the Unified Global Packaging Group. Sutton Town Manager Austin Cyganiewicz estimates the town would collect approximately $10 million in property taxes by 2031. Once the center is fully operational, that figure could rise to $27.8 million per year. Adam Chapdelaine, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, noted that data centers bring property tax revenue similar to other developments, helping to fund local services.
Chapdelaine emphasized that this revenue stream could support critical municipal functions. "School funding is always challenging, protecting public safety, police and fire, public works, public health, parks and recreation, all the different, critical things that local government provides in Massachusetts that tax revenue could and, more than likely, would support all of those things," he said.
Despite the potential windfall, many Sutton residents have voiced concerns. Nathan Shorett, a local resident, questioned the choice of land use. "To me, I think there could be 10 to 15 other things that they should put there rather than that, so not too good of an idea," he said. Kelly Jones, another resident, focused on the safety implications of increased truck traffic. "All the traffic, all the trucks, are they going to follow the road rules? There’s a lot of children around, there’s a lot of elderly around, if trucks aren’t paying attention they are going to run them right over and hit them or anything," Jones said.
James Gauvin, a third resident, took a wait-and-see approach to the proposal. "I want to see what this company comes to us and has to offer, and then we’ll make a decision," Gauvin said.
Sutton currently has no zoning laws specific to data centers. The proposal remains tentative, and no formal application has been filed. The Sutton Select Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday night to begin initial discussions. The Kraft Group has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the project.
