Planning Board & Select Board Workshop • June 2026
Berwick, Maine's Planning Board and Select Board held a workshop to discuss the town's long-term direction, including preparing for potential data center proposals. A public commenter expressed opposition to data centers and advocated for a moratorium and new ordinances. The boards debated whether to proactively establish a moratorium and develop ordinances or wait until a specific proposal emerges. They decided to research definitions, ordinances, and performance standards for data centers while planning future public forums to gather resident feedback. Key concerns included noise, water consumption, electricity demands, and balancing economic growth with preserving the town's rural character.
The Berwick, Maine Planning Board and Select Board convened for a joint workshop in June 2026, primarily focusing on the town's long-term strategic direction and critically, on preparing for potential data center proposals. James Malismo, the Director of Planning Development, provided an update on the nearly complete draft Comprehensive Plan, which is intended to guide future land use ordinances and is projected for approval in June 2027.
During the public comment segment, Berwick resident Tom Wright voiced significant opposition to data centers, urging the boards to enact an immediate moratorium on such developments, to be followed by the creation of specific ordinances for their control. Wright also highlighted concerns about public access to meeting agendas and town-wide spraying initiatives, calling for greater transparency in town communications.
Board members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the optimal strategy for addressing data centers. The debate centered on whether to proactively establish a moratorium and draft regulatory ordinances in anticipation of future proposals, or to delay action until a specific data center application is filed. While some expressed concerns about the costs and potential deterrent effect of proactive measures, others emphasized the necessity of having clear definitions and performance standards in place to manage impacts like noise, water, and electricity consumption, citing the increasing interest in data centers in nearby communities.
Ultimately, the boards reached a consensus to pursue an informed and proactive approach. James Malismo committed to initiating work on definitions, ordinance language, and performance standards specifically for data centers. The plan includes conducting further research into existing data center impacts and holding future public forums to gather comprehensive input from Berwick residents. This preparatory work aims to ensure that any future data center developments align with the town's vision for balanced growth and the preservation of its rural character.