East Bridgewater Planning Board Sets Aside Its Own Data Center Ban, Asks Select Board for 12-Month Moratorium
The East Bridgewater Planning Board voted to set aside its proposed town-wide data center ban after residents warned it was too weak. Instead, the board requested the Select Board enact a 12-month moratorium on data center siting. This action also involves asking the town meeting to pass over the original article.
The East Bridgewater Planning Board, on Monday, decided to delay its proposed town-wide ban on data centers. This decision followed a public hearing where residents, including Katie Sheridan and Hester Reid, voiced concerns that the drafted bylaw was too weak, lacked sufficient guardrails, and might not withstand review by the Attorney General.
Instead of proceeding with the ban, the Planning Board unanimously voted to set the article aside and formally requested the Select Board implement a 12-month moratorium on data center siting within the community. The board also plans to ask the upcoming town meeting to pass over the original ban article.
The town's Water Superintendent, Brian McSweeney, had previously suggested a pause, highlighting water supply as a primary concern. This strategic shift aims to provide the town with time to develop a more comprehensive and legally robust bylaw by the spring, addressing issues like noise, air pollution, power, and water usage, with the Planning Board retaining final approval authority for any qualifying projects.