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Residents urge moratorium on data centers and call for speed signs, training and ordinance review
Summary
During public comment, residents called for a moratorium on data-center construction to protect rural character, asked for more radar-feedback speed signs, and urged the Select Board to pursue Robert's Rules training, activate a comp-plan implementation committee, and revisit an older recall ordinance.
Multiple members of the public used the June 16 Select Board meeting to press officials on community priorities beyond the agenda.
Gracie Lovett (Lovett Road) told the board she would "love to hear select board members speak to whether they would pursue such a moratorium" on data-center construction, arguing a moratorium could help preserve rural character, protect water supplies, reduce noise pollution and protect energy-ratepayers. "This would allow align with the town's dedication to preserving its rural character," she said on Zoom.
A nearby resident asked the board why additional radar-feedback speed signs have not been deployed in town, saying they travel widely around Raymond and have not seen new deployments despite a device once working.
Zoom participant David Merch urged the board to consider Robert's Rules training and partnering with MMA for board education, to activate a comprehensive-plan implementation committee and to review a 2012 recall ordinance that previously faced legal scrutiny. He also flagged that several appointed board members may need formal reappointment or confirmation.
Chair Char said a moratorium on data centers "maybe" could be considered but noted the town likely lacks the infrastructure (water and power) to support large data centers except possibly along the Route 302 corridor; Char also said the board would discuss legal ramifications and next steps before taking action.
No binding moratorium, ordinance change, or capital purchase was approved during the June 16 meeting; the comments were forwarded to the workshop discussion and the board scheduled a June 23 meeting to handle outstanding business.
