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Planning Board forms zoning subcommittee, discusses 40Y and proposes study moratorium on data centers
Summary
The board appointed two Select Board designees and planning board members to a zoning bylaw committee, discussed interest in a 40Y opt‑in overlay and a proposed one‑year moratorium on data‑center development to allow zoning standards to be studied and written, and voted to recommend the committee slate.
The Norfolk Planning Board voted Tuesday to recommend a slate of appointees to a planning‑board zoning subcommittee that will work on proposed zoning bylaw amendments. The slate includes Select Board designees Anita Mecklenburg and Susan Jacobson, Mike Brogan from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and planning board members Melissa Mayo and Dan Sieg.
Board members also discussed renewed interest in a 40Y overlay (an opt‑in tool related to 40R/40B concepts) to encourage certain types of housing in targeted areas. One member said the town has seen recent local interest and that an overlay could be advanced for specific sites rather than town‑wide change.
Separately, a member proposed a one‑year moratorium on data‑center development so the town could study how best to regulate siting, water and infrastructure needs. The proponent said a moratorium would allow Norfolk to determine appropriate zoning safeguards and incentives before any large proposal arrives. Several members expressed support for a study period and agreed to advance zoning committee work on these topics.
The board voted to recommend the appointments to the zoning committee and agreed the new subcommittee will convene to start drafting amendments and work with staff on next steps.
