Haverhill Zoning Update Prompts Debate Over Data Center Bans
What happened
Planning Director Jacki Byerly requested an update to the zoning ordinance in Haverhill. This prompted a hearing where officials discussed concerns regarding traffic, water resources, and the power grid. Mayor Melinda E. Barrett supported prohibiting data centers outright, arguing that the city's electrical grid and water supply could not accommodate their demands.
From govtech.com
Why it matters
The discussion centers on whether Haverhill has the capacity to support data center facilities. This follows similar actions in other Massachusetts communities, such as Holyoke, which enacted a citywide zoning ban on new data centers.
From govtech.com
Who's involved
- JackiPlanning Director who requested the zoning ordinance update in Haverhill
- HaverhillCity where the zoning ordinance update was requested and discussed
- MassachusettsState within which Haverhill operates
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MassachusettsSpeculative
Might see regulatory action in Haverhill influence data center investment across the state.