Council adopts data center moratorium, 8-0

Select Board · Meeting of November 2, 2026

SOUTHBRIDGE — The Southbridge Town Council adopted a data center definition and temporary moratorium, 8-0 each. Councillors voted on roll calls Monday, with Councillor Steeves excused. A referendum window runs Nov. 3 through Nov. 16, and the bylaw takes effect Nov. 17.

Councillor John Daniel presented a downtown tax increment financing concept, telling colleagues "it's not a blank check." The council also approved a $25,000 energy grant for water plant HVAC design, a $48,500 design contract and a $49,557 Bobcat skid steer for the DPW, all 8-0. A tax rate classification hearing is set for Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

In the full story:

• SOUTHBRIDGE — November 2, 2026
• Opening business and subcommittee reports
• Chairman's and town manager's announcements
• Veterans Council presentation
• Southbridge Downtown Incentive Program
• Citizens forum
• Appointment, transfers and donations
• Public Works items
• Deer hunting
• Data center bylaw and moratorium
• Councillors' forum and next meeting
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 1,724 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of November 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.