Grafton votes for blanket ban of data centers at Town Meeting
Grafton residents voted 114-12 to approve a zoning bylaw banning data centers in all zoning districts. The measure still requires approval from the Massachusetts Attorney General before taking effect.
Grafton residents approved a proposed zoning bylaw at the Oct. 19 Town Meeting by a vote of 114-12. The measure would prohibit data centers as a primary use in every zoning district in the town, while excluding small server rooms and closets that are accessory to another principal use.
The Grafton Planning Board unanimously voted on Sept. 28 to send the proposal to Town Meeting. The bylaw defines data centers broadly to include server, cooling, power, telecommunications and related infrastructure. The prohibition remains pending approval by the Massachusetts Attorney General.