Cumberland Council Refers Data Center Zoning Amendment to Subcommittee
The Cumberland Town Council held a meeting where they addressed several local issues, including approving a new stormwater management zoning ordinance and hearing resident concerns about a Flock Safety camera contract. A proposed zoning amendment specifically for data centers, which addresses energy, water, noise, and air quality concerns, was referred to an ordinance subcommittee for further review.
At a recent meeting, the Cumberland Town Council addressed a range of local issues and advanced a significant new zoning ordinance related to data centers. Councilors approved a new zoning ordinance (Ordinance 26-17A) updating stormwater management, flood hazards, and soil erosion provisions to comply with state environmental requirements. This general ordinance, recommended by the Planning Board, replaces "stormwater basins" with "stormwater control measures" and adds buffer guidelines for commercial/industrial zones near agricultural, open space, or residential areas.
Separately, the council heard public comment from residents and privacy advocates urging the cancellation of the town's contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate reader cameras, citing privacy and security vulnerabilities. Of particular relevance to future development, a proposed zoning amendment (Ordinance 26-22) specifically targeting data centers was introduced and referred to the ordinance subcommittee. This amendment, championed by District 4 Councilor Jodi Sweet and supported by groups like Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy, aims to address concerns over energy consumption, water usage, noise, and air quality associated with data center development. The data center zoning amendment has not yet had a public hearing.