Jay Select Board approves town meeting warrant, backs data center plan

The Jay Select Board in Maine recently approved a 42-article warrant for its annual town meeting, which includes a measure to support a proposed small data center. The project, led by JGT2 Redevelopment LLC, aims to repurpose the former Androscoggin Mill site, which was acquired by JGT2 in 2023 after its closure by Pixelle Specialty Solutions Inc. due to an explosion. A primary concern for the data center's developer, JGT2 principal Tony McDonald, is Maine legislative bill L.D. 307. Sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, the bill proposes a moratorium on state and local permits for data centers with electricity loads of 20 megawatts or more, pending a study by a newly established "Data Center Coordination Council." The Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology recently recommended the bill's passage. McDonald argued that the moratorium would "kill this project" and sought the Select Board's support to urge the Legislature for an exemption for Jay, citing significant work already completed at the site. Following a discussion, the Jay Select Board voted 4-0 (with one abstention) to have Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere prepare a letter of support. McDonald clarified that JGT2's project, identified with client Sentinel Data Centers LLC, is smaller and not the "bogeyman" targeted by L.D. 307, which he expects to be amended. The Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce also plans to send a letter of support. Jay residents will vote on the annual town meeting warrant, including the data center support, on April 28.