Hanson Planning Board Targets Drones, Data Centers, and Shipping Containers in Bylaw Push

HANSON -- November 11, 2025, Hanson Planning Board launches bylaw review targeting drones, shipping containers, data centers, and battery storage ahead of May 2026 town meeting. Town Planner Tony Eraclea told the four-member board Tuesday that a Midwest data center company had already called town hall to probe Hanson's zoning, prompting calls for protective regulations before any application arrives, with members noting the town's ponds could make it an attractive target. On battery energy storage, Eraclea said state regulations issued in August under the 2024 climate act, 225 CMR 29, require Hanson to update its existing bylaw no later than December 1, 2026, and that he will engage town counsel to draft amendments for May town meeting. The board voted 4-1 to authorize requests for proposals to update the subdivision control law, last revised in 2012, and Eraclea reported that Hanson has achieved interim MBTA Communities compliance, making the town eligible for associated grants.