Auburn Planning Board Backs Data Center Moratorium
Auburn's Planning Board recommended a one-year data center moratorium over an outright ban, and approved a scaled-down Washington Street warehouse project.
Planning Board · Meeting of September 8, 2026
Auburn's Planning Board recommended a one-year data center moratorium over an outright ban, and approved a scaled-down Washington Street warehouse project. Town Planner Rose Russell presented both options after staff found no pending data center proposals but wanted to act proactively; the board voted unanimously for the moratorium and then unanimously declined to recommend the ban. Member Ricky Arisme said he was "not for data centers, but also not against them," while resident Eric Richards warned the draft bylaw was "Frankensteined" from other towns' language and could sweep in small businesses.
Separately, the board unanimously approved Eastland Partners' redesigned 190 Washington Street warehouse complex, cut from 102,000 to 75,200 square feet across six buildings, and continued hearings on a Route 20 Dunkin' Donuts and an Apple Truck and Trailer parking expansion to September 22.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,387 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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