Southbridge, MA Data Center Moratorium Takes Effect Nov. 17
Southbridge's Town Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on all new data center activity, effective Nov. 17. The pause will allow officials to study potential effects on water supplies, electricity, noise, municipal finances and the environment before adopting future rules.
Southbridge’s Town Council approved a one-year moratorium on data center permitting, construction, expansion, conversion, establishment and operation within the town. The moratorium takes effect Nov. 17 and can be extended twice for up to 180 days each time. Council Chairman Dave Adams said the pause would give officials time to assess the facilities’ potential effects on local resources and finances.
The moratorium followed growing public concern after Tyler Alten, representing Auburn investment firm Lundgren Equity Partners, discussed the company’s experience with data center projects during a meeting about the former American Optical campus. Although Alten did not propose a data center for the site, residents later urged officials to protect the community from potential impacts.
Southbridge plans to work with Worcester Polytechnic Institute students on data center research for the Planning Board. The study will examine water and power use, noise, environmental effects and municipal finances as the town considers future regulations.