Malden council enacts one‑year moratorium on data‑center permits, orders a study

The Malden City Council voted unanimously to adopt a one‑year moratorium on permitting proposals for data centers while city staff and a new committee study the infrastructure, environmental, health and economic implications.

Councillor Michelle Taylor introduced the order, saying the pause will allow the city to be “proactive instead of reactive” if proposals arrive and to develop guardrails such as caps on water usage, noise limits and appropriate siting. Council President Linehan, a co‑sponsor, said conversations at the Massachusetts Municipal Association meeting convinced her and other councillors that gateway cities can be caught unprepared by large proposals.

Multiple councillors asked clarifying questions about definitions and scope. Councillor Winslow observed that some existing buildings already house smaller server operations and asked whether the moratorium targets large, AI‑scale facilities; other councillors stressed the value of specifying thresholds for energy and water intensity. Councillor McDonald warned that an outright permanent ban could push undesirable facilities into less well‑resourced communities and favored a study to set equitable guardrails.

The council adopted the moratorium by roll call; the motion passed 10–0. It then referred a companion order to the Economic Development Committee directing the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), labor representatives and other stakeholders to study impacts, survey relevant parcels and return recommendations on appropriate zoning districts and use regulations.

Councillors said the intent is to complete necessary work promptly and lift the moratorium early if zoning or regulations are finalized sooner than one year. The motion’s sponsors said the moratorium will allow the city time to seek resident input and consult neighboring communities before finalizing any new ordinance language.