Planning Board backs data center moratorium, approves duplex-triplex project.
Lowell Planning Board backs data center moratorium, approves residential development. In a 5-0 vote, the board recommended City Council adopt a 360-day moratorium on data center development with refined language narrowing the definition to exclude general commercial uses, clarified scope on
Planning Board · Meeting of March 2, 2026
Lowell Planning Board backs data center moratorium, approves residential development. In a 5-0 vote, the board recommended City Council adopt a 360-day moratorium on data center development with refined language narrowing the definition to exclude general commercial uses, clarified scope on existing facility expansions, and strengthened enforcement provisions. The board separately voted 4-1 to approve a five-unit residential project at 558 Gorham Street with conditions requiring private trash pickup, snow removal to protect parking, and HOA fire access protections, with board member D.
Tenczar voting against on lot-size concerns. Unanimously, the board approved removal of 10 shade trees downtown to be replaced by 22 new trees, clearing obstacles to pedestrian crossings, bus shelters, and bicycle infrastructure.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 453 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of March 2, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Lowell meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Lowell who follows town government? Share Townbrief Lowell: they can sign up free.