Orris proposes town moratorium on data centers; No action from council yet
Berlin officials are considering a moratorium of at least one year on data center applications while the town studies potential impacts on electricity, water, infrastructure, public safety and the environment. Council Vice President Jack Orris presented a framework for the review, but the council has not taken action or indicated whether it supports the moratorium.
Berlin Town Council Vice President Jack Orris outlined a possible moratorium of one year or longer on data center applications, saying the pause would give town staff time to study utility capacity, water demand, emergency response, noise, traffic, land use and financial impacts. The town could use the period to develop zoning and development standards, solicit public input and determine whether to adopt, revise or reject a regulatory framework.
Council member Shaneka Nichols supported further preparation and said she would favor a moratorium longer than 12 months to allow comprehensive research. Berlin officials noted prior interest in data center projects and Worcester County's existing 12-month pause, but the council did not vote on a moratorium or express a formal position.