Council Votes 6-2 to Form Ad Hoc Rules Committee After Sharp Debate
Southbridge council fields data center backlash, splits 6-2 on new rules panel.
Select Board · Meeting of July 27, 2026
Southbridge council fields data center backlash, splits 6-2 on new rules panel. More than a dozen residents packed citizens forum to oppose a data center floated for the former American Optical complex, warning of noise, water strain and higher electricity bills, though officials said no application has been filed. Vice Chair Councilor Kelly said "there is nothing pending in town right now," while Councilor Lazo admitted, "I don't know the difference from a data center in a ham salad sandwich." The council separately voted 6-2 to create an ad hoc committee, chaired by Councilor Klein, to review its rules and regulations, and voted 6-0 with two abstentions to direct the town manager to pursue rejoining the Central Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communication Center.
Two appointments, Joseph Dowd and Ariel Ortiz, each passed 5-3. The town manager received a 3.46 "meets expectations" performance score.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,929 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of July 27, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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