The City of Lowell has come under scrutiny following revelations about the Markley Group’s data center and the substantial number of diesel generators installed on-site. When the Planning Board approved the site plan in 2015, the scale of the facility and its environmental impact were not fully understood, leading to significant oversight regarding the proposed infrastructure.
Initial documents for the data center included meticulous details, such as the dimensions of fences and gates, yet failed to specify the size and placement of the diesel-powered backup generators. At a meeting in June 2015, a Markley engineer indicated that the facility could potentially utilize up to 60 megawatts of power, necessitating as many as 20 generators with fuel storage for a minimum of 48 hours. This equated to a staggering 150,000 to 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Unfortunately, these critical specifications were not reflected in the approved site plans.
The situation escalated when the Planning Board discovered in 2018 that the generators’ locations had not been documented in earlier approvals. Assistant Planner Jared Alves noted in a project summary that the Planning Board’s minutes from the original review did not mention the generators at all. This lack of clarity did not prevent the City Council from unanimously voting in 2016 to allow the storage of 32,000 gallons of diesel fuel at the facility.
Concerns about the environmental impact of the data center have grown, particularly in the densely populated Sacred Heart neighborhood, which is already facing high rates of asthma. In September 2023, Markley sought approval for an additional 96,700 gallons of fuel to support 27 emergency backup generators. This request would have brought the facility’s total fuel capacity to nearly 168,000 gallons, aligning closely with earlier predictions. However, community opposition led to the withdrawal of this petition due to fears of increased noise and air pollution.
Despite community concerns, construction on the generator yard has continued. A recent site visit revealed the generators’ massive size, which is markedly more visible than in the original schematics presented to the Planning Board. Comparatively, generators at Markley’s 1 Summer St. facility in Boston are located on the roof, largely invisible to the public.
As the generators tower over nearby residential areas, they starkly contrast with the neighborhood’s characteristics, even within a light industrial zoning context. This discrepancy raises questions about the ability of municipal staff and board members to effectively navigate the complexities of large-scale corporate developments.
To address these challenges, Lowell may need to consider engaging professional consultants for high-impact projects, including the ongoing expansion of Markley’s operations and other urban development initiatives. The community’s role in guiding the city’s growth has never been more crucial.
In a related political sphere, candidate Dan Finn has filed for a recount after losing to newcomer Belinda Juran by just four votes in the November 4 general election. Finn expressed his commitment to ensuring every vote is counted, even as Juran’s lead has since expanded to ten. Both candidates have secured legal representation for the recount process.
In the realm of local governance, Rita Mercier, a notable figure in Lowell politics, faces potential retirement after three decades of service. Despite her significant history, current dynamics suggest that she may not pursue another term as mayor, as the race for leadership continues to evolve.
As Lowell navigates these complex issues, the interplay between development, community impact, and local governance remains critical to its future. The citizens of Lowell deserve a robust platform to engage with and influence the trajectory of their city’s growth.
