The approval of a significant data center project in Lowell has come under scrutiny due to oversights by the city’s Planning Board. When the board approved the site plan for the Markley Group’s facility in November 2015, it appears they underestimated the scale and implications of the project, particularly concerning diesel-powered backup generators.
The original site plans included detailed measurements for various features, such as an 8-foot chain-link fence and a 6-foot wide back gate. However, the plans did not specify the dimensions or placement of the twenty diesel generators that would eventually be integral to the facility’s operations. An engineer from Markley had indicated that the facility could require 60 megawatts of power, necessitating storage for up to 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel to sustain operations for at least 48 hours during outages.
The Planning Board’s oversight regarding the generators went unnoticed until 2018, during a revision of the site plan. As noted in a memo from Assistant Planner Jared Alves, the original plans did not reference the generators, which were later found to be positioned in an area not included in the approved documentation. This discrepancy raised concerns about the board’s ability to manage significant developments effectively.
In 2016, the City Council approved a license for the Markley Group to store 32,000 gallons of diesel fuel, but the minutes from those meetings also failed to mention the generators’ exact location. This lack of transparency is part of a broader pattern of oversight regarding the facility, which occupies a 14-acre site previously home to the Prince pasta plant, situated in the densely populated Sacred Heart neighborhood.
In September 2023, Markley sought additional approval for an expansive fuel storage increase, petitioning for an extra 96,700 gallons to support another 27 emergency backup generators. This proposal faced strong opposition from local residents concerned about the potential for increased noise and air pollution, particularly in an area already grappling with high rates of asthma and other health issues. The petition was ultimately withdrawn due to this community backlash.
Despite the withdrawal, construction on the generators and an 8-foot stone block retaining wall has continued. During a site visit, the massive size of the generators became evident, contrasting sharply with the neighborhood’s existing character. The generators, towering above the height of a standard vehicle, are now visible not only from nearby parking lots and parks but also from residential areas surrounding the data center.
The situation highlights a growing need for municipal staff and board members in Lowell to engage professionals who can provide comprehensive oversight on high-impact development projects. As the city navigates initiatives such as the Frontrunner City Initiative and the Hamilton Canal Innovation District, the importance of citizen involvement in the planning process becomes increasingly clear.
In a separate development, the local political landscape is also experiencing notable changes. Dan Finn, a candidate in a recent election, has filed for a recount after losing by a mere four votes to first-time candidate Belinda Juran. Finn expressed his commitment to ensuring that every vote is counted, stating, “I owe it to my family and supporters to ensure the intent of the voters is upheld.” This recount highlights the competitive nature of local politics and the potential for shifts in representation.
Longtime local politician Rita Mercier also remains a significant figure as she continues her tenure in the city council, following a successful bid for re-election. Having served for over 30 years, Mercier has been a prominent voice in Lowell politics, but with the current mayor, Dan Rourke, announcing intentions to run for a second term, questions arise about her future political aspirations.
Amidst these political shifts, food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Lowell. Rebecca Wisniewski, chair of the Open Pantry board, reported an increase in demand at the pantry, with individuals waiting hours for assistance. The cuts to federal food assistance programs have compounded the challenges faced by low-income residents, leaving many reliant on local food pantries for sustenance.
As Lowell grapples with significant developments and community needs, the call for increased transparency and citizen engagement in planning processes is more critical than ever. The outcomes of these discussions and developments will shape the future of the city and its residents.
