Select board votes to move forward with study on moratorium for data centers

The Bridgton select board voted to move forward with measures to explore a moratorium on data-center development, a step board members said is intended to secure time to study potential impacts on the town’s water, electric grid and character.

The motion to 'move forward with a moratorium on data centers' passed 3–2 after extended discussion with residents, the planning board and staff. Supporters said a moratorium would provide breathing room to evaluate environmental effects and draft standards; opponents cautioned that a moratorium could signal opposition to business and asked whether Bridgton has the land or resources attractive to data-center developers.

Resident Kevin Ray noted that some states and utilities work with large tech companies to mitigate infrastructure impacts, saying, "Microsoft Alphabet etc would would would cover the expenses" (paraphrase from transcript). Planning and sustainability representatives urged careful study of water use, electrical load, noise and land availability. A planning board representative said data centers are not explicitly allowed under the current schedule of uses and that a moratorium would buy time to write appropriate code language if the board so chooses.

Board members emphasized the moratorium would not prejudge outcomes but would create a timeframe to gather technical information and draft ordinance language or standards if warranted. The board asked staff and relevant committees to research potential impacts and report back with options.

The select board instructed staff to prepare materials for public consideration and potential town-meeting action within the moratorium timeline; details on duration and next procedural steps will be developed and returned to the board for approval.