East Lyme zoning commission bans data centers
The East Lyme Zoning Commission unanimously voted to permanently prohibit traditional and artificial-intelligence data centers, along with related facilities and equipment. The commission cited concerns about water use, power demands, noise and impacts on nearby residents, despite no data center currently being proposed in town.
The East Lyme Zoning Commission in Connecticut unanimously amended the town’s zoning rules to prohibit traditional and artificial-intelligence data centers and associated facilities. The action followed a review prompted by data center proposals emerging elsewhere in the state, although no project had been proposed in East Lyme.
Commission members cited potential effects on the town’s water supply, electricity demand, noise levels and neighboring residents. Supporters said the ban would preserve East Lyme’s character, while opponents such as Old Lyme resident Jim Villa argued that data centers represent the future and that the town should retain the option to consider them. The prohibition is permanent under current rules but could be changed later.