Hartford mayor disputes AI data center rumors as residents call for transparency
Questions are growing over what will replace a former data processing site next to Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, as demolition work is already underway.
Some community members are concerned the property could become an artificial intelligence data center, but Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam says that is not the plan.
Residents are urging the city to provide more clarity about what will be built.
“We’re asking for two things: respect and dignity,” said Hartford resident Stephan Bobb.
Community members say they want more transparency about the future of the site and have raised concerns about potential impacts to the neighborhood. Some have pushed back against the possibility of an AI data center moving in.
“We are asking people to stand up with us, to fight with us,” said Jendayi Scott of Angel of Edgewood, a nonprofit organization in Hartford.
Arulampalam strongly denied that a data center is being considered.
“We have never had any intention to build a data center. We have no interest in building a data center,” the mayor said.
He said misinformation about the project has spread both in Hartford and online, adding that his own earlier comments may have contributed to confusion.
“In the past, I’ve called it an AI center, and that may have created some confusion,” Arulampalam said in a social media post.
Instead, the mayor said the city envisions a space focused on innovation and workforce development, where students and companies collaborate on artificial intelligence projects. He pointed to a similar, early version of such a center already operating in the city.
“The purpose here is to invest in the workforce of the future. We’re not focused on building buildings. We’re focused on transforming an economy and getting it ready for the challenges that are coming,” he said.
City officials said formal plans are not yet available, as funding has not been finalized. That lack of detail has fueled skepticism among some residents, who say they want to see specific proposals.
They also have questions about the proposed innovation center as well.
“If it’s not benefiting my neighbors, then yes, I have a serious issue with it. We have a serious issue with it,” Scott said.
The mayor said the project could ultimately benefit local students and businesses. The city is waiting to learn whether it will receive up to $50 million in state funding to move the project forward.
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.