Picture: Construction plan floor plan and elevation plan, Salem Zoning Board of Appeals
For the last two years, Salem Alliance For the Environment (SAFE) has been a community partner for heat related mitigation in The Point (Salem’s hottest neighborhood according to research done by Urban Heat mapping researchers at Salem State University) and have been keeping a close eye on Prime Group’s Building Permit B-26-355 at Shetland Park. This permit was originally filed for an IT Services company and had very clear regulations and requirements. During an inspection with the city, it was found that the real intent of the project was for the construction of an AI data center.
Artificial Intelligence data centers utilize more resources and electricity than what was allocated to the building and can cause significant heat output for a community that is working hard to fight climate related issues. The Salem Building Department rightfully revoked Building Permit B-26-355, citing both scale and laws that prevent AI data centers in the district, but Prime Group has filed an appeal in hopes to get Building Permit B-26-355 reinstated.
On Wednesday, Sept 16th, after many public comments against this project, the Zoning Board of Appeals denied the appeal.
SAFE contributed our own public comment, found below.