Data center committee proposal sent to Holyoke City Council
Holyoke's Ordinance Committee has recommended to the City Council the formation of a data center study committee, days after the City Council voted to ban future data center developments. The proposed ad-hoc committee would analyze the potential impacts of data centers and make recommendations on zoning and permitting requirements. The ban on future data centers was approved by the City Council on June 16.
The Holyoke Ordinance Committee has advanced a proposal to the full City Council for the creation of a data center study committee, despite the City Council's recent vote to ban future data center developments in the city. The committee's recommendation, with amended language, will now be voted on by the City Council at a future meeting.
The discussion at the June 30 Ordinance Committee meeting followed the City Council's 9-4 vote on June 16 to enact a ban on new data centers. During that same council meeting, City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti and City Councilor Meg Magrath-Smith had proposed forming a temporary ad-hoc committee to study the potential impacts of commercial data center development. The proposed committee, slated to expire on June 30, 2027, would advise the City Council on future zoning and permitting requirements.
The Ordinance Subcommittee refined the composition of the ad-hoc committee, specifying seven community members, and adding a representative from the Board of Health or Health Commission, while removing a City Council member. Councilor Magrath-Smith emphasized the importance of the committee following Open Meeting Law to ensure transparency. Participants in the nearly two-hour discussion included several city councilors, representatives from Holyoke Water Works, the Planning Board, the Massachusetts Green High-Performance Computing Center, and the Conservation Commission, along with members of the public.
Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Horan supported the ban and highlighted the importance of the ad-hoc committee, noting the significant impact of data centers on water and electrical use. Residents like Susan Van Pelt also provided recommendations for the committee's composition, advocating for increased community involvement and technical expertise.