Scarborough residents show support for ordinance to prohibit data centers in city
Scarborough residents overwhelmingly supported a proposed ordinance that would prohibit data centers in the city, citing environmental impacts and infrastructure strain. A moratorium has been in place since June, and a second public hearing is scheduled for November 4, but no official decision has been made.
Scarborough residents spoke largely in favor of a proposed ordinance that would prohibit data centers in the city during a public hearing Wednesday. Supporters cited concerns about environmental impacts, neighborhood protection, natural resources and pressure on local infrastructure.
The city has maintained a moratorium on data center development since June, following earlier resident concerns. Maine legislator Sophie Warren and resident Denise Hamilton said economic development should be balanced against the effects large-scale data centers could have on the community. No decision was reached at the hearing, and another hearing is scheduled for November 4.