Athol Data Center Moratorium Vote Set for Nov. 9
Athol voters are scheduled to decide Nov. 9 whether to impose a one-year moratorium on new data center development. The proposed pause would allow town officials to study impacts on water, electricity, wastewater, infrastructure, noise and public health and develop data center zoning rules.
Athol voters will consider Article 9 at a Nov. 9 Special Town Meeting, which would halt new data center construction, expansion, conversion and related approvals for one year. The proposal has received unanimous support from the Select Board, Finance and Warrant Advisory Committee, and Board of Planning and Community Development.
Planning and Development Director Eric Smith said the moratorium would give officials time to assess infrastructure, electrical demand, water and wastewater capacity, environmental and public-health concerns, and potential tax impacts. Select Board member Marc Maxwell has described the measure as fiscal protection rather than opposition to the industry, while David Small said it would allow the town to establish siting, water and setback requirements before considering any future project.
The vote comes amid a broader wave of Massachusetts data center restrictions. Gov. Maura Healey has ordered that new data centers receive explicit municipal support and directed the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to develop water-protection protocols for projects exceeding 25 megawatts of peak electricity demand.