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Council narrows high-intensity data-center threshold to 5,000 sq. ft. and refers ordinance to joint committee
Summary
Council members voted to reduce a proposed threshold for high-intensity data centers from 25,000 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. and sent the revised zoning language to the planning and economic development committees for joint review, citing concerns about water and power impacts.
Councilors amended proposed zoning for high-intensity data centers to change the facility-size threshold from 25,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet, then voted to send the amended ordinance to a joint meeting of the CED and Planning Board for further vetting. Councilors said the change narrows the definition to capture smaller yet impactful facilities and allows additional committee review.
Proponents said the amendment provides a foundational local control mechanism to limit or condition development with significant water or electrical demands; Councilor Perry moved the amendment and explained the intent to restrict facility size to ensure oversight. Councilors discussed state-level pressure to attract data centers, potential regional precedents (Lowell, Mansfield) and the need to refine the ordinance through the joint committee process before final adoption.
The council's action places a more restrictive local standard on the books while directing staff and the committees to continue developing technical criteria and mitigation measures that would be used in permitting decisions.
