The Lowell Charter Township board presented the first reading of a possible six-month hold on data center development at a recent public meeting. The proposal cited additional township regulation concerns.
Tech-giant Microsoft wants to build a data center in the Covenant Business Park on Alden Nash Avenue near I-96. The project has faced pushback from many residents concerned about light, water and noise pollution, as well as increases in electricity rates.
“Our community’s health, water, environment, and quality of life are not commodities to be handed over to corporate interests, Microsoft or otherwise. That requires time, that requires due diligence, that requires patience, and that requires a pause.”
Betsy Lopez Wagner is with Residents United for a Healthy Lowell. She says her organization supports the moratorium.
“So, a moratorium allows planning boards and councils to research and design appropriate zoning to protect the public health and safety of residents and ecosystems alike.”
No action was taken at the meeting. A second reading of the proposed moratorium will happen at the May 18th meeting.
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