North Berwick to ask voters about data center ban, comprehensive plan change
North Berwick, Maine, is preparing to ask voters in November whether to permanently ban data center developments and amend the town's zoning ordinance. This decision follows town officials skipping a temporary moratorium and instead opting for a direct vote on a permanent prohibition and changes to the comprehensive plan to define growth areas.
North Berwick, Maine, will present a ballot question to voters in November regarding a permanent ban on data center developments. Town officials decided in June to bypass a temporary moratorium, a path taken by several other municipalities, and instead allow residents to vote directly on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would define and prohibit data centers.
The proposed language defines data centers as facilities of 25,000 square feet or larger that house networked computers and associated infrastructure. Town Manager Dwayne Morin noted that no town officials or residents have expressed opposition to the proposed ban itself, though Select Board Chair Michael Johnson Jr. voiced his opposition to data centers, citing noise concerns from existing facilities.
In addition to the data center ban, the Select Board also approved a question to amend the town's comprehensive plan. This change aims to align with state legislation requiring municipalities to expand growth areas, particularly in zones with public water and sewer infrastructure, to promote efficient land use and prevent sprawl. The plan would redefine North Berwick’s growth and rural areas, providing incentives for development in specific zones around the village center.