Prime Group data center (Shetland Park, Salem)
An AI computing fit-out in a Salem office complex lost its building permit after revised plans showed 6 MW of generators, and the city then barred data centers by ordinance. Also known as: low-latency inference point.
Who is behind it
The record, newest first
The City Council unanimously approved a zoning change that defines data centers and bars them in the city. (The Salem News (via GovTech), Oct. 12, 2026)
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously upheld the revocation, finding the use was not a business or professional office. (GBH News, Sept. 16, 2026; Boston.com, Sept. 18, 2026)
Revised plans filed June 29 grew the project to 12,690 square feet with 6 MW of generators and chilled-water tanks; the building commissioner then revoked the permit. (Boston.com, Sept. 18, 2026; GBH News, Sept. 16, 2026)
Salem issued a permit for an 8,691 square foot interior fit-out with a 1 MW generator. (Boston.com, Sept. 18, 2026)
Conflicts and open questions
- Included as a notable smaller contested project.
- The developer says it is not a data center; it is unclear whether it will appeal the ZBA decision in court.
The full record
- Status note
- Smaller contested project: the zoning board upheld revocation of its building permit.
- Power note
- Revised plans showed 6 MW of generators; the facility's load is not stated.
- Evidence
- News reports; primary records not yet obtained
- Size class
- Under 50 MW (outside main scope; kept for completeness)