Planning Board moves toward data center moratorium.
Wrentham Planning Board agrees to pursue data center moratorium. Vice Chair Charles Woodhams raised resident concerns about data center development, noting that Attleboro, Mansfield, and Norwood have pursued bans or limits on such projects. Members including Clerk Robert English, Alfred Bou-Assi,
Planning Board · Meeting of August 19, 2026
Wrentham Planning Board agrees to pursue data center moratorium. Vice Chair Charles Woodhams raised resident concerns about data center development, noting that Attleboro, Mansfield, and Norwood have pursued bans or limits on such projects. Members including Clerk Robert English, Alfred Bou-Assi, Justin Schlesinger, Joseph Woodall, and Norman Orban unanimously supported a 360-day moratorium to allow adequate planning discussion and study.
Bou-Assi cited concerns about electricity and water use plus noise from backup generators; Schlesinger suggested proponents would need to demonstrate no negative impact on town resources. The board agreed to pursue the moratorium at the November Town Meeting through two warrant articles: one defining data centers and another establishing the ban. Meanwhile, the board unanimously continued the Arbor Inn Motel site plan hearing to September 2 and the Premium Outlets restaurant modification hearing to September 16.
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Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 19, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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