Douglas Panel Approves Minutes, Weighs Zoning Overhaul
Douglas economic development panel confirms active data center talks, pushes zoning fix for farm restaurants.
Other Committee · Meeting of September 2, 2026
Douglas economic development panel confirms active data center talks, pushes zoning fix for farm restaurants. Members of the Economic Development Commission, including Meg Chesman, Carol Gondolinski, Jim Farrell and Bob Minara, said the town is in discussions with one unnamed company over a data center at the pine site, potentially paired with roughly 100 acres of solar panels and battery storage. "There can be no surprises," one member said of the need for transparent messaging to residents.
Separately, members found the town's zoning bylaws currently bar restaurants outright in the agricultural district, blocking farm-to-table concepts like one envisioned at Douglas Orchard, and discussed pushing a fix ahead of the Planning Board's zoning rewrite starting this fall. The commission also flagged that its town webpage relies on data as old as 2010 census figures and a 2013 tax rate. Members voted unanimously to approve the August 5 minutes, as amended, and to adjourn.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,200 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of September 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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