Holyoke mayor signs data center ban into law
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia signed an ordinance into law banning new data centers citywide. This action follows the city council's vote and significant resident opposition to a proposed $200 million data center on Water Street.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia officially signed an ordinance on Thursday, enacting a citywide ban on data centers. This decision follows a vote by the Holyoke City Council on Tuesday night.
The ban emerged from strong community opposition, particularly concerning a proposed $200 million data center project slated for Water Street. Over 400 city residents had signed a petition expressing their disapproval of the development.
Responding to public sentiment, the city council's ordinance committee had previously recommended defining "data center" as a distinct land use and prohibiting such facilities across all zoning districts within Holyoke. While an existing data center operates in the city, residents distinguish it as a nonprofit entity run by a university consortium, which utilizes Holyoke's green energy resources.