The central focus of the meeting was the proposed moratorium on data centers. The amendment seeks to define data centers explicitly within the zoning bylaw, classify them as industrial use, and establish a moratorium to halt any developments while the board works on comprehensive regulations. During the public hearing portion of the meeting, a board member detailed the previous decision to support the moratorium for a year, emphasizing the need for thorough research into data centers to ensure that any future regulations are well-informed.

Concerns about the necessity of the moratorium were raised by a public participant, who argued that data centers are already implicitly prohibited under existing bylaws, which state, “Uses that are not listed below are prohibited unless state or federal laws preclude such prohibition.” They suggested that while a specific prohibition might be redundant, a moratorium would demonstrate the board’s stance on the issue.

The conversation also delved into the technical and logistical aspects of data centers, with discussions about their significant demand for internet connectivity and the potential economic benefits for the town. One participant highlighted that data centers could necessitate substantial internet connections and proposed that the municipal light plant might profit from selling “dark fiber” or backhaul connections. This could offset costs for residents and potentially reduce internet expenses.

Board members expressed concerns about the environmental implications of data centers, particularly regarding their water and electricity consumption, noise levels, and land requirements. There was an acknowledgment that data centers could pose unique challenges to local water resources, especially given past instances of well failures during drought conditions. Some members suggested that the Board of Health might need to be involved in crafting regulations to address potential health impacts, such as noise and light pollution.

The board also considered the financial and regulatory framework for data centers, debating whether these facilities should be taxed differently or fall under existing commercial taxation rates. A member noted that, unlike other sectors, there are no current state regulations for data centers, raising concerns about potential conflicts between promoting artificial intelligence and achieving energy conservation targets.

As the discussion progressed, participants considered the scale of potential data centers and the notion of allowing smaller, non-intrusive facilities that could enhance the local tax base without compromising the community’s character. The consensus was that a moratorium would provide the necessary time for research and community input, with a focus on crafting balanced regulations that mitigate risks while remaining open to the potential benefits data centers could bring.

In addition to the main topic of data centers, the meeting addressed procedural matters, such as the timeline for developing regulations and the potential legal implications of the proposed amendments. The board contemplated drafting a warrant article for the town meeting scheduled for September 30, 2025, and discussed the importance of clarity and responsibility in crafting regulations to avoid potential legal disputes.

Another point of discussion was the scheduling of town meetings and their alignment with the state budget cycle. Participants considered the impact of meeting timing on budget decisions. The board also discussed the potential for fall town meetings to address financial matters, clarifying that proposed bylaws would not restrict the content of these meetings.