Board explores broader uses in Southborough's Industrial Park, discusses data centers and noise controls

The Southborough Planning Board discussed a proposed expansion of allowed uses in the town's Industrial Park District, including new categories such as data centers, last-mile logistics and other commercial activities.

Board members said the district's current list contains antiquated entries (for example, a house for a night watchman) that constrain reuse of existing industrial parcels. A working group produced a draft list of additional uses, and Marnie and other board members volunteered to translate suggested uses into bylaw language for a November warrant article.

Discussion focused heavily on neighborhood impacts. Several members said they would oppose uses that generate sustained industrial noise, overnight truck movements or refrigeration operations near residences. The board discussed requiring site-plan review for larger or noise-generating uses and adding conditions or metrics to protect adjacent neighborhoods. Concerns were raised about enforcement capacity because the building commissioner is currently part-time, which limits the town's ability to monitor noise and other operational conditions.

Board members also debated whether to allow data centers in the Industrial Park. One member noted that data centers have large energy demands and space footprints; while they are unlikely to be attracted to Massachusetts because of high electric rates, allowing the use would keep options open for parcels intended for heavy commercial use.

Next steps Board members asked to convert the draft list into bylaw language, with more detailed site-plan and noise-control requirements, and to coordinate the draft with the zoning board before seeking a town-meeting article.