Plan to turn Jay mill into data center on hold
Plans to redevelop the former Androscoggin mill site in Jay, Maine, into an AI-powered data center are on hold as Sentinel Data Centers has backed out. This development follows a state-level moratorium bill on new data centers, which was vetoed by Governor Janet Mills and subsequently failed to be overridden by lawmakers. Town officials are now looking into other interested parties for the site.
News Center Maine reports that the plan to redevelop the former Androscoggin mill site in Jay, Maine, into an AI-powered data center is now on hold. Town officials announced that Sentinel Data Centers, the company behind the proposed project, has withdrawn, leaving the future of the site uncertain. Groundbreaking was initially targeted for next month.
State Representative Amy Roeder (D-Bangor), who supported a bill to place a moratorium on new data centers in Maine, expressed little surprise, citing unfulfilled promises in other communities. Governor Janet Mills vetoed this moratorium measure, arguing it failed to include an exemption for the Jay project, which her office said had strong local and regional support. Lawmakers later failed to override the veto.
State Representative Sheila Lyman (R-Jay) called the news unfortunate and is seeking reasons for Sentinel Data Centers' decision. The town reports that the property owners, JGT 2 redevelopment, are continuing discussions with other interested parties for the site. News Center Maine has not received comment from Sentinel or JGT 2 redevelopment.