To stream FOX61 on your phone, you need the FOX61 app.
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
HARTFORD, Conn. — Some people are concerned about the possibility of an AI data center moving into an old data processing center site in Hartford.
The space at 150 Windsor St. has sat empty for years, right behind Dunkin’ Park.
Community activist and CEO of the nonprofit Angel of Edgewood, Jendayi Scott, said she’s worried about how the neighborhood would worsen if a data center was added.
More in Local
“We need transparency, we need details, we need a seat at the table, because if it’s not a data center, then what is it?” she said.
AI data centers have been in the headlines recently, and many people around the country are worried.
“Somehow, these projects always tend to land in communities that have the least resources and have the least resources to fight back,” Scott said.
The mayor’s office responded by saying those rumors are completely false.
“We have never had any intention to build a data center, we have no interest in building a data center,” Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said.
In the past, the mayor’s office said they wanted to see an AI center at the site on Windsor Street, not to be confused with an AI data center.
To clear any confusion, the mayor’s office changed the name to indicate this center will be a very different concept.
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
“We’re building out this workforce and innovation campus, in which our big businesses as they innovate, instead of having to lean on big tech companies, can work with students coming out of our schools, so that our students are getting upfront access to the best technologies,” Arulampalam said.
The mayor added that it would be a space that’s open to the public, and it will look very different from what some people have in mind.
“There’s no servers, there’s no, you know, energy, massive energy usage. It’s going to be classrooms, it’s going to be spaces, where when Hartford HealthCare wants to roll out a medical product using AI; they work with students coming out of the City of Hartford,” Arulampalam said.
He explained that the plan is to have startups, businesses, universities and more all working under one roof to advance the city forward in innovation and create local job opportunities for the next generation.
And, they already have something in place that’s doing exactly that.
Last week, they had a ribbon cutting at Trinity College’s Constitution Plaza, where they’ve built a workforce and innovation campus.
Next, they hope they can build on that same idea on a bigger level at Windsor Street, if they receive essential state funding to help them accomplish it. They hope to hear back from the state about that funding in the next few months.
The mayor’s office said they’re working to demolish the building at that site because it’s unsafe and outdated, so if you see construction crews in the area, that’s what they’re working on.
—-
Solen Aref is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61.com. She can be reached by email at SAref@FOX61.com.
—-
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
—-
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
FOLLOW US ON X, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
Leave a Reply