Leominster City Council delays data center moratorium vote as residents raise concerns about AI and the environment
The Leominster City Council delayed a vote on a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center applications after a public hearing where residents expressed environmental, privacy, and AI-related concerns. The Council postponed the decision while awaiting a recommendation from the Planning Board, scheduling another hearing for September 28.
The Leominster City Council has postponed a decision on a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center applications, following a public hearing on September 14, 2026. Council President Claire Freda submitted the petition, which aims to halt new data center construction until July 31, 2027.
During the hearing, residents voiced significant concerns. Kayleigha Zawacki advocated for the moratorium, citing potential impacts on the city's natural resources and residents' privacy. She also raised broader societal concerns about the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly its influence on student learning and critical thinking.
Another resident, Dorothy Rouleau, supported the moratorium, highlighting worries about potential air and water pollution and general environmental degradation. The Legal Affairs Committee informed the Council that the Planning Board's recommendation on the proposal was still pending. Consequently, the council unanimously granted more time for review and scheduled another public hearing for September 28.