Portland and Westbrook Move to Restrict Data Center Development
No data center has been proposed in either Cumberland County city, and Westbrook's council is expected to finalize its moratorium at its next meeting.
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Portland and Westbrook city councillors voted on October 19, 2026, to advance limits on data center construction, WMTW reported, even though no data center has been proposed in either Cumberland County city.
Portland's council directed the city's Planning and Urban Development department to draft recommendations for the council covering land use questions tied to data center noise, siting and environmental effects. Councillors also raised concerns about how close such a facility could be built to neighboring buildings. The action was not a ban or a moratorium, according to WMTW.
In Westbrook, the council proposed a moratorium in June that would bar data centers on land in the city, with an exception for server rooms operated as part of a business. Discussion on October 19 focused in part on land near Rock Row. The council is expected to take a final vote on the moratorium at its next meeting, following public comment.
Westbrook Mayor David Morse said no proposals have been submitted and that "Westbrook welcomes thoughtful investment, always," adding that the city must weigh investment against its resources and residents' quality of life.
Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a statewide data center moratorium in April.
This story was first reported by WMTW.
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