Lessons From Lowell: How a Data Center’s Expansion Has Choked a Small Town

The expansion of the Markley Group data center in Lowell, Massachusetts, has sparked significant local opposition, encapsulated by a recent Lowell City Council meeting that considered a moratorium on its growth. Residents, including Jake Fortes, expressed alarm over increased noise from AC units, diesel emissions, and potential health consequences, claiming they were 'blindsided' by the facility's expansion since its construction in 2015. Conversely, supporters of the data center, notably members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and Markley employees like Tommy Cruz, advocated against the moratorium. They emphasized the economic benefits and job creation the data center brings to Lowell, transforming a previously underdeveloped area. G. Edward Brown, Markley’s Director of Compliance, presented evidence of increased property values since the company purchased the site in 2015, contrasting the current clean facility with prior images of waste. Devon Cutchins, Markley’s Chief Legal Officer, clarified to Councilor John Descoteaux that a moratorium would impede the facility's growth but would not immediately result in 80 job losses, as some union workers had suggested. Councilor Sean McDonough noted that both sides agreed the business plan hinged on continued expansion, highlighting that this growth was occurring 'at the expense' of the residents.