North Berwick bans data centers, expands growth area
Voters approved a 2,114-582 ordinance stopping new data centers and a 1,653-924 change to the comprehensive plan, while South Berwick elected two new Select Board members.
By Yasmin Nasser ·
North Berwick residents voted on November 3 to ban new data centers in the town. The measure passed by a margin of 2,114 to 582. The ordinance takes effect immediately and applies to any facility with an aggregate data center area of 25,000 square feet or more. It prevents the town from considering any new proposals and halts development in that sector, though no active projects currently exist in the town.
The town also approved a second referendum item by a vote of 1,653 to 924. This amendment changes the comprehensive plan to expand the designated growth area. The Select Board drafted the ordinance in June after deciding to bypass a moratorium and go directly to voters. The expansion aims to utilize existing public infrastructure, such as water and sewer resources, for future development.
In South Berwick, voters elected Jane Brekke and Anthony Palazzetti to the Select Board. Brekke received 2,140 votes and Palazzetti earned 1,785. They defeated Dorothy Maguire, who received 1,424 votes, and Ronald Fousek, who received 604 votes. The two new members join the five-person board immediately.
Brekke and Palazzetti replace Chair John James and Vice Chair Mallory Cook. Cook has moved to the House of Representatives for District 149. The remaining South Berwick voters joined residents of Eliot in school board elections.
Perrin Chick and Heather Holland won unopposed races for the Maine School Administrative District 35 board. Chick will serve a one-year term, while Holland secured another full term.
Berwick residents also participated in federal, state, and county races but had no local candidates on their ballots.
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