Old Town Hall, Salem, Mass.Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Cities and towns across the nation have been grappling over whether to allow data centers to operate within their borders.
These facilities are needed to run cloud computing and AI centers.
Supporters say data centers can help generate tax revenue that funds municipal budgets and schools, and provide steady, high-paying jobs.
But data centers consume massive amounts of electricity and water that can raise utility bills for residents.
And there are environmental concerns.
Here in Massachusetts, there's been a growing collection of communities that oppose data centers.
Lowell just passed a data center moratorium.
Everett is trying to do the same.
And now Salem has joined the list of municipalities trying to keep data centers out.
Mayor Dominick Pangallo said a 12,000-square-foot building in Shetland Park was originally pitched as an IT facility.
City officials found out later that it was actually going to be a data center.
"We've been through this process before with other kinds of industrial uses or types of commercial activities," he said.
The mayor said he wants to slam the door on data centers now while decisions are being made at the local level, because that can change. "Invariably, the rules end up changing, or the people who have the wherewithal that stand to profit from these industries will bring lawsuits against these cities and towns. I don't believe we should raise our hands and subject ourselves to that."
Mayor Pangallo has submitted an ordinance calling for an outright ban on data centers.
Governor Healey issued an executive order last week that blocks state agencies from advancing permits for large data centers unless they secure local community approval.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.