Greenfield data center moratorium to continue as proposed ordinance rather than zoning amendment
Greenfield, MA officials are proposing a one-year moratorium on data centers. The initial plan to implement it as a zoning amendment is being reworked into an ordinance, to be considered by the City Council. This proactive measure aims to allow the city time to develop comprehensive regulations for data centers, addressing concerns about environmental impact, water usage, noise, and electricity consumption, despite no data centers currently being proposed in the city.
Greenfield, MA Precinct 7 Councilor Sarah Bolduc is working to implement a one-year moratorium on data centers in the city. Following feedback from the Greenfield Planning Board, Bolduc plans to introduce the moratorium as a City Council ordinance, rather than a zoning amendment. This change aims to streamline the process, requiring only a public hearing by the council, bypassing the more extensive process of amending the city’s zoning code twice.
Bolduc presented two draft zoning amendments to the Planning Board, having been encouraged by the Economic Development Committee to pursue a moratorium and explore regulations. Although no data centers are currently proposed in Greenfield, Bolduc emphasized the need to be proactive in addressing potential policy issues before they arise. She highlighted concerns about data centers' significant water and electricity consumption, potential noise pollution, and environmental impacts, defining data centers broadly to include associated infrastructure like cooling systems and backup generators.
Planning Board members expressed mixed opinions on the necessity of the moratorium. While some appreciated the time it would provide to develop thorough regulations and a clear definition for data centers within the zoning code, others, like Chair Jeff Sauser and member Victor Moschella, questioned the urgency and argued that data centers should not be singled out as an industry. Moschella specifically stated his opposition to a moratorium, believing data centers are no different from other businesses in industrial zones requiring special permits.
Despite the divided opinions, Vice Chair George Touloumtzis supported developing a clear definition and standards for data centers, emphasizing that it is a distinct and rapidly changing industry for which the city currently lacks adequate regulatory tools. Discussion on data centers and potential regulations is expected to continue at future Planning Board meetings, as the city seeks to "solve a policy problem before it begins."