New Haven moves closer to halting new data centers for a year
New Haven city officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new data centers within industrial zones. The Board of Alders Legislation Committee unanimously recommended the proposal, which also includes a six-month study on data center impacts. The full Board of Alders will now vote on the measure.
The New Haven Board of Alders Legislation Committee has given a unanimous favorable recommendation to a proposed 12-month moratorium on new data center developments. City Plan Director Laura Brown indicated that while data centers are currently prohibited in residential and commercial zones, there are no restrictions in industrial zones, provided they adhere to planning and zoning regulations.
The proposed resolution also includes a six-month study by a local working group to evaluate the "impacts and opportunities" of data centers. Brown expressed strong support for the moratorium during Tuesday's committee meeting, citing the need for more information on the potential adverse impacts of such facilities before allowing further development, stating she is "still skilling up myself to understand what these facilities are." The proposal now advances to the full Board of Alders for a final vote.