North Berwick Votes to Ban Data Centers
Voters approved a local ordinance blocking new large-scale facilities while expanding the town's designated growth area.
By Riya Zhao ·
North Berwick residents voted on Tuesday to prohibit new data centers in the town. The measure passed by a margin of 2,114 to 582.
The new ordinance takes effect immediately. It bans facilities with an aggregate data center area of 25,000 square feet. The Select Board drafted the language in June, skipping a temporary moratorium to go directly to the ballot. No active data center proposals currently exist in the town.
Voters also approved an amendment to the comprehensive plan by a count of 1,653 to 924. This change expands the town's growth area for future development. The goal is to utilize existing public infrastructure such as water and sewer resources.
In neighboring South Berwick, residents elected Jane Brekke and Anthony Palazzetti to the Select Board. Brekke received 2,140 votes, and Palazzetti earned 1,785. They replace Chair John James and Vice Chair Mallory Cook. Cook is serving as a House District 149 representative. Dorothy Maguire and Ronald Fousek finished with 1,424 and 604 votes respectively.
South Berwick voters also selected Perrin Chick for a one-year term on the Maine School Administrative District 35 board. Heather Holland won re-election for a full term. Both candidates ran unopposed. These elections occurred alongside federal, state, and county races that voters in Berwick also addressed.
