Planning Board reorganizes, reappoints Khazadian
The Ashland Planning Board began weighing a two-year moratorium on data centers and reorganized its leadership.
Planning Board · Meeting of July 9, 2026
ASHLAND — The Ashland Planning Board began weighing a two-year moratorium on data centers and reorganized its leadership. Resident Andrea Novakowski, a 41-year Ashland resident, asked the board to study the issue after Mansfield's May 5 town meeting created what officials called the state's first dedicated data center zoning bylaw, capping facilities at two megawatts. Member Scott Pelletier said he was "nervous about just doing a blanket moratorium" without a specific project in front of the board, while Vice Chair and Clerk Anna Tesmenitsky said she was "not opposed to the idea of a two year moratorium" pending Town Counsel's confirmation of the board's authority.
Director of Planning and Economic Development Jasmin Farinacci said any moratorium would require a Town Meeting vote. The board also voted 5-0 to elect Paul Montesino chair, 5-0 to reelect Tesmenitsky vice chair and clerk, 5-0 to reappoint Angel Khazadian as associate member for three years, and 5-0 to continue the 55 Tilton Ave. hearing to July 23.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,183 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of July 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.
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