Greenfield Planning Board recommends one-year data center moratorium
The Greenfield Planning Board recommended that the City Council enact a one-year moratorium on data center construction. This pause is intended to allow the city to update its zoning regulations and research the potential impacts of data centers on the community's resources and infrastructure. The recommendation passed despite some debate among board members regarding the immediate need for such a measure.
The Greenfield Planning Board has voted to recommend that the City Council enact a one-year moratorium on the construction of data centers. Proposed by Precinct 7 Councilor Sarah Bolduc, the moratorium aims to provide the city with time to update its zoning regulations, which Bolduc believes have fallen behind the rapidly evolving data center industry.
During the proposed one-year period, the Planning Board would be tasked with reviewing current zoning codes, conducting research on the potential impacts of data centers on community infrastructure, public safety, local resources, wildlife, and natural landscapes. Bolduc supported her proposal by referencing studies from Virginia and Utah, which indicate adverse effects such as increased carbon emissions and rising electricity bills attributed to data center growth.
While some board members, including Victor Moschella, questioned the immediate basis for the moratorium given a lack of specific local data on negative impacts, others emphasized the complexity of data centers and the proactive need to assess the city's preparedness. Vice-Chair George Touloumtzis noted the importance of evaluating the city's current zoning code and regulations. The Economic Development Committee also expressed support, viewing the moratorium as a necessary pause to gather information and ensure thoughtful planning.
Following the discussion, the Planning Board voted 4-1 to advance the recommendation to the City Council, signaling a move towards preparing Greenfield for potential data center development.