Committee hears update on council's proposed temporary ban on data centers

Committee members were briefed on a council proposal to temporarily ban data centers in town. Staff described the measure as a pause intended to give the town time to study fast-moving technology and to craft more targeted rules rather than immediately allow broader development.

A staff member said the proposed ban has strong support on the council and that a future council could revisit a narrower or more nuanced approach if new technologies or mitigation measures become available. Members also noted that there are other regulatory options for tailoring restrictions but that a temporary ban is a blunt, fast-moving policy to allow more study.

Committee members did not take a formal position at this meeting but were informed that the council’s action is advancing through its process.