Hopkinton seeks ordinance to prohibit data centers
The Hopkinton Town Council has voted to direct its planning board and department to develop an ordinance that would prohibit data centers in the town. This precautionary measure is being taken due to environmental concerns and the actions of neighboring communities like Smithfield, which has already banned data centers. There are currently no specific data center projects proposed for Hopkinton.
The Hopkinton Town Council recently voted to instruct its planning board and department to investigate and propose an ordinance that would prohibit data centers within the town. Vice President Bob Burns, who sponsored the initiative, noted that similar discussions have occurred in the past and pointed to neighboring towns like Charlestown and Smithfield that have taken steps to ban or restrict data centers.
Town Council President Michael Geary emphasized that this is a precautionary move, as no data center projects are currently planned for Hopkinton. He cited the significant environmental demands and impacts of data centers, particularly for a rural community, as incompatible with the town's character. Geary stated, "As for right now, however, we are saying no to data centers."
Smithfield, a nearby community, passed an ordinance on May 5 banning data centers, defining them as large facilities primarily housing computer servers for services like cloud computing and AI. A memo from Smithfield's staff detailed potential negative impacts, including high electrical and water demands, utility infrastructure strain, noise pollution, and land compatibility issues.
Professional Land Surveyor and Land Use Consultant Alfred DiOrio, a former chair of Hopkinton's planning board, also urged the council to address the issue, expressing concern that Hopkinton shouldn't be the last to act. Councilor Sharon Davis, while supporting the prohibition, disagreed with Smithfield's approach of an "interim control," advocating for a permanent ban.