Morristown board schedules hearing on interim moratorium that would cover data centers and "high‑impact" projects

The Morristown Select Board voted to schedule a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24 to consider an interim zoning bylaw that would place a temporary moratorium on large data centers and other facilities the draft labels "high‑impact".

The draft—prepared with town attorney David Rue and dated Aug. 3—would treat a facility capable of consuming 10 or more megawatts of electricity, using roughly 57,600 gallons of water per day, emitting persistent noise near 70 decibels at adjacent properties, or creating 10 or more acres of impervious surface as a high‑impact use subject to the moratorium. Chair Don McDowell said the title should reflect the broader scope: "It's a moratorium, not on data centers. It's a moratorium on high impact projects," and the board asked Rue to fold a "high‑impact use" definition into the draft.

Supporters of the moratorium said it gives the planning commission time to craft targeted zoning. Attorney David Rue summarized the technical thresholds the draft uses: "A facility which is capable of consuming 10 or more megawatts of electric power shall be defined as high impact use." The board discussed whether to keep the language narrowly focused on data centers or to capture other large projects with similar community impacts; members agreed the draft can be amended after public comment and that the board may revisit the language if circumstances warrant.

By unanimous voice vote the board directed administration to publish public‑hearing notices in accordance with statutory requirements and asked Rue to send a redlined and clean version for distribution ahead of the Aug. 24 hearing.