Lowell Police remove 14-year-old from data center public forum
A 14-year-old student was removed by police from a public forum in Lowell, Massachusetts, after attempting to speak out against data centers during a discussion about potential zoning changes. The meeting, which addressed community concerns about data center development, featured opposition from residents, while the Markley Group, a local data center operator, defended its presence and expansion plans in the city.
A public forum in Lowell, Massachusetts, addressing the future of data centers in the city, escalated when a 14-year-old student was removed and briefly detained by Lowell police officers after attempting to speak without a microphone.
Following the conclusion of the question-and-answer session by forum moderator Camilo Espitia, the student stood to address the audience, stating, "I'm not hurting anyone. We just don't want data centers." She was then escorted out by an officer, leading to a strong reaction from the crowd and intervention from several community members, including state representative candidate Harini Aiyer. Assistant City Manager Shawn Machado and Mayor Erik Gitschier were present during the incident.
The forum, organized by Assistant City Manager and DPD Director Yovani Baez-Rose, was held in response to community concerns and the city's ongoing process to rewrite its zoning regulations, specifically regarding data centers. While the Markley Group was not formally named by organizers, employees were present, and audience members referenced their existing facility at 2 Prince Ave. Markley Group is expanding its operations in Lowell and has purchased additional properties for development. The company released a statement defending its community outreach and the critical services powered by its Lowell data center, launching a website and Facebook page to share information.
City Manager Tom Golden did not immediately comment on the increased police presence or the instruction to remove the student. Councilor Sidney Liang expressed pride in the young student for speaking up, acknowledging the high turnout and diverse input from residents on the contentious topic.