Planning board discusses select-board proposal for six-month data-center moratorium

At the July 20 meeting the Limington Planning Board discussed a select-board plan to present a referendum seeking a six-month moratorium on new data-center development while the town considers an ordinance.

"They are going to present a moratorium referendum question to the town pretty soon to put a 6 month curtailment on any development of data centers," the chair told members, adding that the moratorium could be extended while the town drafts a local data-center ordinance. Board members said they have begun researching issues other towns encountered and that water use, electricity demand and noise are the most frequently raised concerns.

Members referenced a nearby project in Jay as a local example that stirred debate and noted Southern Maine Regional Planning as a potential source of background material. The chair said the town will likely consult MMA legal (the Maine Municipal Association legal staff), town counsel and state legislators to determine whether a full ban would be permissible under state law and to advise on referendum wording.

Board members generally supported taking time to review sample referendum language from other towns and to consult legal counsel before drafting any ordinance or recommending policy. No formal action or ordinance was taken by the planning board at the meeting; the chair said a special town meeting will be scheduled by the select board to consider the referendum question.

Next steps listed by the board: collect wording examples from other municipalities, request guidance from Southern Maine Regional Planning, and consult MMA legal and town counsel about statutory limits and drafting an enforceable local ordinance. The board did not set a drafting timeline at the meeting.