Planning Board and CRC Propose Fixes to ADU Bylaw, Discuss Possible Data Center Ban
Amherst town councilors proposed a zoning amendment banning data centers larger than 1 megawatt, while planning staff suggested a 12- to 18-month moratorium to study the issue. Officials raised concerns about data centers’ electricity, water and noise impacts, as well as the town’s ability to regulate them under existing zoning rules.
Nine Amherst town councilors sponsored a proposal to prohibit data centers larger than 1 megawatt by amending the town’s Zoning Bylaw. Councilor Lynn Griesemer presented the proposal, while Councilor Andy Churchill supported prioritizing housing and other local land uses. Planning Board member Angus McLeod suggested that smaller facilities might be appropriate in the Professional Research Park districts under a special permit, and Chair Doug Marshall said the town’s primary concerns were large buildings’ electricity and water use and noise.
Planning and Economic Development Director Jeff Bagg said town staff lacked the expertise and capacity to develop comprehensive data center regulations. He proposed a 12- to 18-month moratorium to allow further study, noting that data centers could otherwise be permitted by special permit as a form of data processing in certain districts. The hearing on the proposed ban was continued to Nov. 12, while the board and the Community Resources Committee also continued consideration of separate amendments to the town’s accessory dwelling unit rules.