Planning board approves amendment to allow data centers at former Delta Storage site; residents urge caution

The planning board considered an amendment to the Delta Storage redevelopment plan to add data‑center uses as permitted principal uses on the single parcel at 69 Newhook Road. Planner Barbara Allen described modifications to permitted uses and parking calculations tied to office/administrative space and racking/maintenance areas.

Several residents and commenters expressed concerns about the scale, noise and utility demand of data centers; one resident noted experience visiting large Midwestern data centers and requested stronger buffering and more explicit noise mitigation. The applicant and city professionals responded that buffer and setback requirements in the redevelopment plan remain in force, that site‑plan review will cover noise and other impacts, and that state noise regulations (50 dB at the property line in some cases) apply.

After discussion, the planning board approved the amendment for the single Delta Storage parcel, with an abstention recorded. Board members noted that site‑level review will address specific equipment, buffering and utility connections.