Resident urges transparency and engineering review for proposed Nordson‑property data‑center variance

At the Amherst City Council meeting on July 27, resident Don Meyer spoke during public comment and asked the city for more information about a pending use variance request for the Nordson property that would permit a data center. "I have questions and concerns about the proposed... to change and allow a data center," Meyer said, citing worries about water use, sewer capacity and the absence of engineering plans available to the public.

Mayor Costello and staff responded that this application is a use variance — not a rezoning — and that the building inspector initially denied the proposed use because it did not fit the current I‑1 zoning. "This isn't a zoning change... the building inspector says it doesn't fit our codes," the mayor said, outlining the next steps: the Zoning Board of Appeals (BZA) will consider whether the use variance meets the legal tests (whether it fits the existing zoning, whether the inspector erred, whether there is a unique hardship, and whether there are other viable uses). The mayor invited residents to submit written comments and said the BZA has a 14‑day window to make a decision.

City staff also described public‑meeting logistics for the upcoming Wednesday BZA hearing: the building occupancy is 60 people, reserved parking will be provided for board members, and a QR code will be available so those who cannot enter may watch the meeting live from outside. Councilmembers and staff urged residents to contact the building department for public records and engineering documents related to the variance application if they want more technical information.