Neighbors are fighting the expansion of an AI data center in Lowell
Residents in Lowell, Massachusetts, are actively opposing the expansion plans for a data center operated by the Markley Group, citing concerns over noise and pollution from diesel generators. The facility, located in a former pasta factory, has been operational since 2015, and the dispute has escalated into an ongoing lawsuit. The local group Honest Future for Lowell is leading the fight for environmental justice.
Residents of Lowell, Massachusetts, are engaged in a protracted battle against the Markley Group over the expansion of its data center, which has operated in the former Prince Spaghetti factory since 2015. Led by Jack Fortes, who grew up next to the site and founded the group Honest Future for Lowell, neighbors are raising serious environmental concerns, particularly regarding diesel generator fumes and noise from cooling fans. Fortes described experiencing yard-filling fumes from generators that run for five minutes weekly.
The opposition group is working with environmental advocates, including the Conservation Law Foundation. Alexandra Enriquez St. Pierre, vice president of the Environmental Justice Program at the Conservation Law Foundation, emphasized that the ongoing lawsuit is fundamentally about ensuring fairness and providing a voice to the community regarding developments in their long-time homes.
Jaclyn Casey, a marketing manager for the Markley Group, expressed confidence that the lawsuit will be dismissed, noting that similar claims have been previously rejected. She also stated that Markley's Lowell facility, which primarily supports cloud computing and data storage for clients like hospitals and universities, is distinct from the hyperscale AI-driven data centers currently drawing national attention, suggesting that "misinformation" plays a role in the community's backlash.
Markley Group representatives offered a tour of the facility to NBC10 Boston, asserting that their campus is quiet despite residents' complaints. The company has since launched a website and Facebook page to improve communication and address community concerns and perceived misinformation.