Northfield Planning Board reviews draft data center moratorium, ADU bylaws
The Northfield Planning Board held the first of two public hearings on a proposed 360-day moratorium on new data center construction before the measure goes to a Special Town Meeting. The board took no action but expects to vote on forwarding the draft bylaw at its next meeting.
The Northfield Planning Board reviewed draft language for a 360-day moratorium on new data center construction and development ahead of a Nov. 19 Special Town Meeting. The proposed pause would give the town time to study potential effects on emergency services, schools and other public infrastructure, while developing policies for regulating data centers. Board members discussed whether the moratorium should run between successive fall Town Meetings and planned to consult town counsel on the language.
Resident Margaret Livingstone spoke in favor of the moratorium and urged the town to consider a permanent restriction in the future. Northfield's proposal follows moratoriums adopted in nearby Gill and Greenfield, while Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has issued executive orders requiring local approval of data centers before state permitting review and directing the development of a statewide data center framework.