LEOMINSTER — Following a public hearing at its Sept. 14, 2026, meeting, the Leominster City Council postponed a decision on a proposed temporary moratorium on applications to build new data centers in the city.
Council President Claire Freda submitted the petition, which would establish a moratorium beginning upon adoption and continuing through July 31, 2027.
During the public hearing, Leominster resident Kayleigha Zawacki spoke in favor of the moratorium saying data centers could affect the city’s natural resources and residents’ privacy.
“I think it’s very important to determine what exactly the data is that will be stored and processed in these centers,” Zawacki said.
Zawacki also expressed concern about the “jump to embrace” artificial intelligence, particularly as it enters schools, saying it is having a “massive impact” on how students process information and approach assignments intended to promote critical thinking and community engagement. She said students are instead getting their information from a system that is not designed to provide accurate information.
Leominster resident Dorothy Rouleau also spoke in favor of the proposed moratorium, citing potential pollution affecting the air and water, as well as broader environmental concerns.
Members of the Legal Affairs Committee said the Planning Board had not yet provided its recommendation on the proposal.
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously granted further time on the data center moratorium petition and scheduled another hearing on Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
