Jeff Markley Defends Lowell Data Center Amid Lawsuits and Moratorium

Founder of the Markley Group Jeff Markley is defending his colocation data center in Lowell, Massachusetts, against a combination of legal challenges, local government restrictions, and state-level regulatory scrutiny. Markley argues that such infrastructure is essential for Massachusetts to remain competitive against states like Texas and Virginia, asserting that data centers are critical to growth and research.

The facility, a renovated former pasta plant, is currently the subject of a lawsuit filed in April by 10 residents in Middlesex Superior Court. The plaintiffs sued the Markley Group and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, alleging a "flawed air quality plan" regarding the authorization of cooling towers and diesel backup generators. Residents have also protested the site over noise and permitting violations, though Markley maintains his business model differs from the massive hyperscale centers driving national protests.

Local and state authorities have moved to restrict further development. The Lowell City Council imposed a 360-day moratorium on new construction and the expansion of existing data centers in March. Additionally, Governor Maura Healey issued an executive order designed to give communities more influence in protecting against rising energy costs and irresponsible development.