New Bedford Mayor Proposes Immediate Citywide Ban on Data Centers
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has proposed an immediate citywide ban on data center construction to address concerns about infrastructure strain and environmental impacts. The mayor filed an ordinance amendment with the City Council, which is scheduled for a vote, to revise current 'by-right' zoning laws for data centers. This local action comes as the city evaluates new regulations and research on data center demands.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has filed an ordinance amendment with the City Council to impose an immediate citywide ban on data center construction. The proposed ban aims to provide time for the city to research the demands of data centers and develop new regulations, as current zoning laws permit them 'by-right' in many areas.
Mayor Mitchell cited concerns about significant demands on electrical and water infrastructure, noise pollution from mechanical equipment and backup generators, substantial land consumption, and other potential negative impacts on surrounding properties. The City's Department of City Planning has begun researching national and statewide case studies to inform new regulations.
This proposal, filed on September 1, is on the agenda for the September 10 council meeting. The mayor's action precedes an executive order signed by Governor Maura Healey, which requires local approval for proposed data centers before they can proceed to state permitting. The city also noted that its current data center zoning rules, adopted in 2024, did not account for the recent surge in demand driven by artificial intelligence.