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Sunday, November 1, 2026 Worcester County, Massachusetts · Change town
Government · Planning Board

Planning Board recommends banning data centers townwide

Grafton Planning Board recommends banning data centers in every zoning district.

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Planning Board · Meeting of September 14, 2026

Grafton Planning Board recommends banning data centers in every zoning district. The board closed a public hearing on warrant article ZBL 2026-01 and voted unanimously to support sending it to the Fall Annual Town Meeting, reasoning that a formal definition and prohibition, not a moratorium the Select Board had favored, best closes what members called an undefined-use loophole. No residents spoke for or against the measure.

The board also approved two lot-line plans, at 18-22 Blanchard Road and 35 Crosby Road, the latter separating a former landfill parcel from land Adams Corp representative Mark Santora said "has no landfill operations on it." Members cleared a site plan for an accessory dwelling unit at 41 Pleasant Street and found signage changes at the 72 Worcester Street Dunkin' Donuts a "minor modification" not requiring a new special permit. Member David Robbins volunteered to represent the board at two state feedback sessions this fall on the Massachusetts Integrated Land Use Strategy.

In the full story:

  • Who Was There
  • Organizations And Documents Referenced
  • The complete report — 3,160 words

Source: the Planning Board meeting of September 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

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