In a major reversal, Westfield moves to block massive data center project
Westfield’s Planning Board refused to extend Servistar Realties’ construction permit for a proposed $4 billion, 10-building data center campus. The decision followed strong community opposition over water, air and electricity impacts and effectively halts the project for now, although the developer could reapply after the city’s one-year moratorium expires.
The Westfield Planning Board declined to extend Servistar Realties’ construction permit for a proposed $4 billion data center campus that would have become the largest in New England. The 10-building project was expected to be built over a decade and eventually consume 274 megawatts of electricity.
The decision was welcomed by community activists and criticized by labor representatives who expected hundreds of construction and electrical jobs. City Councilor Kristen Mello said the proposal did not adequately protect Westfield’s drinking water and air, while Mayor Michael McCabe faulted the developers for insufficient community outreach. Servistar can seek a new permit after Westfield’s one-year moratorium on new data centers expires, but continued opposition could make approval difficult.