Greenfield City Council adopts one-year moratorium on data centers
The Greenfield City Council unanimously adopted a one-year moratorium on data centers. This decision tasks the Planning Board with reviewing current zoning codes, researching potential impacts of these facilities, and developing recommendations for future regulations. The council can extend the moratorium by 180 days if the Planning Board's work is not completed within the year.
The Greenfield City Council unanimously voted to enact a one-year moratorium on data centers, a resolution spearheaded by Precinct 7 Councilor Sarah Bolduc. This moratorium mandates the Planning Board to conduct a comprehensive review of existing zoning codes and regulations, compile research on the potential impacts of data centers on the community, public safety, city infrastructure, and natural resources.
During deliberations, councilors acknowledged the need for the moratorium but questioned the procedures for extensions if the Planning Board fails to present adequate recommendations within the year. City Clerk Kathy Scott clarified that if the council rejects a proposal, it must observe a nine-month waiting period before revisiting a similar subject. Ultimately, the council agreed to focus on the immediate proposal, which includes provisions for a 180-day extension should the Planning Board require more time, during which the council would draft its own zoning changes.
The decision aligns with a recent executive order from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, which stipulates that data center projects require local approval before state permitting. Councilors emphasized that this moratorium provides crucial time for research and to observe the state's progression in data center regulations, preventing the city from rushing into potentially inadequate zoning changes. Councilor Bolduc highlighted Greenfield's role as the county seat, underscoring the broader regional implications of the city's approach to data center development.