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Citizen urges five-year moratorium on AI and crypto data centers; board frames it as town-plan signal
Summary
A resident presented a slide-backed case for a five-year moratorium on siting and constructing AI and cryptocurrency data centers in Royalton, citing water use, noise, limited local employment and regional grid impacts; the Select Board said a yes vote would signal voters’ concern and prompt the planning commission to draft a town-plan amendment.
James Milbrecht of North Windsor Street presented an 18-slide briefing asking the town to adopt a policy, reflected in the town plan, imposing a five-year temporary moratorium on siting and constructing AI and cryptocurrency data centers in Royalton. Milbrecht cited high water consumption, noise and limited long-term job creation as reasons to pause developments until regional impacts and state-level processes are clarified. "I just wanted to bring it to our community's attention," he said when introducing the topic.
Board members discussed how a voter signal would proceed: if voters support the article, the planning commission would be asked to draft the town-plan change and the Select Board could adopt it following required processes. Speakers noted the state-level context (Act 250 and ongoing state hearings) and that a moratorium in the town plan would strengthen local defenses in land-use reviews. Residents asked technical questions about water, wastewater and downstream impacts; staff and citizens urged more study over the moratorium period.
