Grafton joins data center debate; Planning Board to consider next steps
The Grafton Select Board and Planning Board held a joint meeting to discuss data center regulations, following actions taken by other Massachusetts communities to limit their operation. Concerns include high energy and water usage, with the Planning Board expected to consider proposing a moratorium or zoning bylaw. Members of the board expressed concerns about water resources in town.
The Grafton Select Board and Grafton Planning Board convened on July 7 to initiate discussions regarding data centers, defined as computer rooms for processing large data volumes and powering AI systems. This meeting comes as other local communities implement measures to regulate or restrict data center operations due to their significant energy and water demands.
Christian D'Emilia, Director of Planning, highlighted examples such as Lowell's 360-day moratorium, Mansfield's dedicated data center zoning bylaw, and Northborough's bylaw allowing small data centers with special permits, capped at 5 megawatts. Hudson's Select Board is also supporting a one-year moratorium to allow its Planning Board time to consider zoning bylaw changes.
The Grafton Planning Board is now expected to consider proposing a bylaw or moratorium, potentially by the fall Town Meeting. Board members, including Justin Wood and Bob Hassinger, expressed support for a moratorium to allow time to develop suitable regulations. Planning Board Chair Gregory Dalle-Molle specifically voiced concerns about the potential strain on Grafton's water resources within the next one to two years.
Select Board member Victoria Duckworth noted the unknowns and potential for developers to establish facilities that the town might find undesirable without protective measures like a moratorium. The Planning Board plans to keep the Select Board informed as they deliberate on these next steps.