New Bedford proposes citywide ban on data centers as AI use grows
New Bedford officials are proposing a citywide ban on data centers to give planners time to study their potential impacts and develop regulations. Concerns include electricity and water demand, noise, land use, and the lack of a special permit process; the proposal was sent to the full City Council after unanimous Planning Board support.
New Bedford’s ordinance committee recommended a citywide prohibition on data centers, sending the proposal to the full City Council for approval. The temporary pause is intended to give city planners time to evaluate the industry’s effects and develop rules governing facility size, location, safeguards and permitting.
Mayor Jon Mitchell, Planning Board members and council leaders support the proposal, citing potential demands on electrical and water infrastructure, noise from equipment and generators, and land-use impacts. Planning Department Director Jennifer Carloni said proposed regulations could be ready within a year, while council officials said the city should balance possible tax revenue and jobs with neighborhood protections.