East Longmeadow Town Council discusses prohibiting data centers
The East Longmeadow Town Council unanimously voted to ask the Planning Board to consider zoning regulations that could prohibit data centers in the town. Council members cited potential infrastructure, noise, environmental, electricity and water impacts, while some urged more narrowly tailored definitions and restrictions.
The East Longmeadow Town Council voted unanimously Oct. 13 to send Town Manager Tom Christensen’s letter to the Planning Board for consideration of zoning regulations and definitions for data centers. Christensen proposed adding data centers to the town’s list of prohibited uses, saying the community should have added protection from potential impacts before any facility is proposed.
Council members expressed differing views on how broadly the town should regulate the facilities. Councilors Jonathan Torcia and Matt Boucher favored strict restrictions or a complete prohibition, while Connor O’Shea supported limiting large facilities in residential areas but cautioned that overly broad definitions could encompass ordinary businesses with server racks. The Planning Board is expected to consider the issue, but no final regulation or prohibition has been adopted.