Taunton City Council unanimously approves data center ban
The Taunton City Council unanimously approved a ban on data centers after residents opposed a proposed facility at the Mile Standish Industrial Park. Opponents cited environmental risks and strain on the local power grid, while city officials said the ban is effectively indefinite and also approved a moratorium to protect it from legal challenges.
Taunton residents packed City Hall and urged the City Council to block a proposed data center at the Mile Standish Industrial Park. The council unanimously approved a ban after opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts and pressure on the local power grid. Property owner VMD Industrial had sought an exception, warning that the decision could jeopardize a multimillion-dollar deal.
Mayor Shaun O'Connell said the city supports business development but must protect resources relied on by residents. The Taunton Planning Board determined that the John Hancock Street property did not qualify for an exception because no permit application was already in process. The council also approved a moratorium as legal protection for the ban, which officials said would remain in place indefinitely unless changed through another zoning hearing.