Speakers Back Proposed Cumberland Data Center Zoning Limits as Ordinance Heads to Subcommittee
The Cumberland Town Council has referred a proposed zoning ordinance to its ordinance subcommittee, which aims to restrict data center development. Public speakers, primarily from Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy, urged the council to adopt the measure, citing concerns over energy costs, water usage, air quality, and noise. A public hearing will be held before the council takes a final vote on the ordinance.
The Cumberland Town Council has referred a proposed zoning ordinance, Ordinance 26-22, to its ordinance subcommittee for further review. The measure, which aims to restrict data center development within the town, received significant public support during a recent council meeting.
The ordinance was presented by District 4 Councilor Jodi Sweet and is currently in a procedural phase to allow for public advertisement and the scheduling of a public hearing. No vote on the substance of the ordinance has been taken yet, and the council president assured the public that ample opportunity for input would be provided.
Four speakers, three of whom were members of Rhode Islanders for Personal Privacy, advocated for the ordinance's adoption. They raised concerns about increased energy costs for utility customers, long-term maintenance costs for utility infrastructure, potential water usage issues, and air quality and noise from air-cooled alternatives or turbine generators. Speakers also highlighted broader privacy concerns related to data collection for AI models and the importance of local resident voice in such development decisions.
No opposition to the ordinance was voiced at the meeting. Following subcommittee review and a public hearing, the full council will hold a final vote on the proposed zoning restrictions. Residents are encouraged to monitor future council agendas for the advertised public hearing date.