Westfield Residents Oppose $4 Billion Data Center Project

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 19, 2026

Westfield, Massachusetts, has enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center construction following rising community concerns about environmental impacts, though the previously approved $4 billion Servistar project remains unaffected. This move reflects broader regional resistance and stricter state regulations aimed at limiting water use, pollution, and electricity cost increases associated with large data centers.

In Westfield, Massachusetts, a significant shift has emerged regarding the development of large data centers, reflecting growing local resistance to such projects. In 2021, the Westfield City Council approved a $4 billion data center proposed by Servistar Realties, granting millions in property tax incentives with a 9-3 vote amid little public opposition. However, mounting concerns about the environmental and community impacts of these facilities have prompted a reevaluation.

This month, five years after the initial approval, the City Council unanimously passed a one-year moratorium on the construction of additional data centers. The moratorium does not affect the Servistar project already in motion but signals increasing apprehension among residents and officials. Opponents cite issues including excessive water use, potential increases in electricity rates, and air pollution from backup generator emissions.

“I will tie myself to a bulldozer if I have to,” said former city councilor Mary Ann Babinski, 83, expressing the intensity of local opposition should the project proceed.

Westfield is not alone in grappling with these concerns. Nearby municipalities such as Lowell and Holyoke have implemented moratoriums on data center construction, while Everett and Mansfield have imposed strict size restrictions on such developments.

At the state level, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has altered her stance amid the shifting landscape. Two years ago, she supported legislation that largely exempted Servistar from state sales taxes. Now, the administration has introduced more rigorous criteria for data centers seeking tax breaks, including restrictions on air and noise pollution, water consumption caps, and assurances that local electric rates will not be adversely impacted.

The evolving regulatory environment reflects widespread activism against the rapid expansion of data centers, which many view as a threat to local resources and quality of life. Whether these measures will ultimately delay or derail the Servistar project remains uncertain, but the growing pushback marks a notable development in how municipalities manage the presence of large-scale technology infrastructure.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.