Resident presses selectmen on data‑center approvals; board outlines zoning, moratorium and state‑level paths

During other business on June 23 a resident raised concerns about data centers proposed in neighboring towns and asked how Farmington can prepare or respond. The resident, who identified themself as Tion Dunu, said they wanted a robust public discussion before approvals proceed elsewhere in the county.

Board members and staff explained that land‑use approvals typically run through the town planning and zoning process and that a municipality may adopt a temporary moratorium or an ordinance—each of which would be developed through the planning office and, in many cases, go to town meeting for final approval. Officials noted limits to county authority on land use and said cross‑municipal impacts sometimes require state engagement. "If you want to be proactive…you probably don't want to wait until there is an industry knocking on the door," a board member said, urging early outreach to planning staff and the county commissioners.

Why it matters: Data centers can have wide effects on local power infrastructure, land use and environmental resources. The board suggested several next steps for residents: contact the town’s planning and code enforcement office to learn whether applications are filed, propose drafting moratorium language that can be refined by the planning board, bring the issue to county commissioners or state legislators where intermunicipal impacts arise, and use local media and the town’s public forums for public education.

What was decided: No ordinance or moratorium was proposed or adopted that night. Staff suggested compiling resources and indicated managers’ listservs and existing state study groups (commission created by the governor) as places to gather precedent and sample language. The board offered to help publicize future forums and recommended residents contact planning staff and county commissioners to start the process.

Attribution: The resident who spoke identified themself on the record as Tion Dunu; board members and staff provided procedural guidance during the June 23 meeting.