Lowell drafts community benefits agreement on data centers, development
The Lowell City Council Neighborhoods Subcommittee is actively discussing a community benefits agreement (CBA) framework, primarily focused on data center development, to address local concerns. This local initiative follows a recent executive order by Governor Maura Healey, which mandates community approval for data center projects at the state level. The city is also working to update its zoning regulations to include specific standards for these facilities.
The Lowell City Council Neighborhoods Subcommittee convened to discuss a proposed framework for Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) concerning development, with particular attention to data centers. Assistant City Manager Yovani Baez-Rose clarified that while CBAs apply to all industries, public speakers at the meeting primarily focused on data center impacts. The discussion was spurred by former Councilor Wayne Jenness's earlier efforts to establish a CBA with Markley Lowell data center and recent action by Governor Maura Healey.
Governor Healey recently signed an executive order empowering communities by mandating local approval for data center projects before state permitting agencies will advance them, emphasizing clean energy use and protection against increased energy costs for ratepayers. This follows a previous pause on sales and use tax exemptions for data centers. The Department of Planning and Development is also working on updating Lowell's zoning regulations, which currently lack a specific definition or standards for data centers.
During the discussions, various aspects of data center zoning from other cities were presented, including setbacks, host community payments, local hiring, environmental protections, noise monitoring, and building design standards. Department officials plan to present a draft CBA for community input, and despite potential lingering opposition, City Solicitor Corey Williams noted that a transparent process could mitigate many concerns. The committee chair, Kim Scott, stressed the urgency of establishing such metrics given the rapid pace of technological development.