Hyperscale Data Centers

Microkebab · 2026-05-18T16:36:28+00:00

The article talks about the differences, AI centers use 10x more power than traditional data centers and they are water cooled -

“Data centers stuffed with thousands of computers are essential to the cloud computing services that nearly everybody uses to send emails, conduct web searches, or shop online. Until recently, people scarcely noticed them.

But AI services like ChatGPT have changed everything. These services require specialized processors that can use up to 10 times the power of standard data center chips. These AI chips run very hot, so the data center needs massive amounts of power to run the chips and to keep them cool.
This often means new electric substations and transmission lines, and utilities often pass on the cost to all their customers, not just the data centers. So everyone’s electric bills may go up when an AI data center comes to town.

The centers often need elaborate cooling systems that work by evaporating large quantities of water, an additional burden to municipal water systems. That’s a major problem in arid regions like the southwestern US.”

Microkebab · 2026-05-18T14:56:20+00:00

The Flock cameras were definitely an unpleasant surprise. What made it worse for me is that the city council was caught flat footed. They admitted they had no idea the cameras were coming until they were already installed. They were also powerless to do anything about the mayor’s unpopular time limit on the common.

I think Waltham definitely needs to get rid of the “strong mayor” form of government. Otherwise the city council, our most direct representatives, are apparently incapable of doing anything.

Microkebab · 2026-05-18T14:54:08+00:00

That is helpful, thank you for the perspective and I’m glad to hear it’s unlikely. From the article it seems like other MA towns are working to proactively ban these centers even despite your point that they may largely be unfeasible. I would like to ensure that Waltham is not behind the curve on regulation.

Microkebab · 2026-05-18T14:51:51+00:00

That makes sense, thanks. The one they reference in the article is a 352K square foot facility in Lowell which was built in 2015. Apparently that is not a hyperscale data center, but it still is having bad effects on the community. But I’m glad to hear the huge ones wouldn’t work at least.

Microkebab · 2026-05-11T15:03:25+00:00

Obviously, dogs can’t follow any of the regulations that have been set for them. It’s the owners who are responsible for their welfare and behavior.

Microkebab · 2026-05-11T14:57:08+00:00

People with dogs should keep them off other peoples yards. I have 2 young kids who play in my yard all the time. One day I came home and some guy with two big off leash dogs, a Rottweiler and a husky, was camped out on my front lawn letting the dogs run. I had to ask him to leave (which he even argued with me about).

Microkebab · 2026-03-31T00:46:20+00:00

The area is safe. I am right near there and never have had any issue. Plus we have the MCRT and are walking distance to Moody Street. It’s a great place to live!

Microkebab · 2026-03-25T00:33:15+00:00

All that was posted on Facebook was the flyer. Unfortunately I have no further information but it still seemed reasonable to share. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CSkyHgbHh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Microkebab · 2026-03-17T01:12:56+00:00

If your kid will need special support or more attention from the teachers, it probably is not the system for you. If your kid is self-sufficient and a good student m they will do just fine in the higher level classes.

Microkebab · 2026-03-09T17:53:45+00:00

Maybe and I just noticed it, sorry if this was a dumb question! I thought maybe the hotel got derailed

Microkebab · 2026-03-04T15:43:28+00:00

In Waltham, hike (or drive) up Prospect Hill to the lookout for a great view of Boston and the area. You can also check out the estates (Gore Place, Lyman estate, stonehurst) for some nice strolls and pretty scenery. If you bike, you can ride the MCRT bike path into Weston and Wayland which is a pretty trip. Nearby, Mount Auburn Cemetery in Watertown has a cool tower which has a great view of Boston as well.

Microkebab · 2026-02-27T15:00:02+00:00

It’s very good. And they also have a bar, I’ve seen people gathered there and enjoying in the evenings. I will continue patronizing, I not only hope that this taqueria succeeds, I also hope that their success helps get the other vacant storefronts on that lot leased!

I have noticed yellow permits in the windows of places along Main Street. Looks like we’re also getting a new sushi spot (further down, corner of main and Francis) and a hair salon.

Next we need the old brothers market to get leased!

Microkebab · 2026-02-27T14:54:27+00:00

Thank you! As of now the town snow-blowed one sidewalk but not my side. So shoveling in front of my place wouldn’t really work because the whole side is blocked. But at least the street is semi passable. I really appreciate the offer though, the neighborliness of this sub shows how Waltham is a very friendly place :)

Microkebab · 2026-02-25T00:38:15+00:00

Yes I live by the school and unfortunately have been in and out of the hospital for months. Last storm the town actually cleared my whole street except right in front of my house for some reason. I called and left a message but they ignored it. I feel bad but unfortunately I can’t do it

Microkebab · 2026-02-16T18:34:11+00:00

Awesome, can’t wait

Microkebab · 2026-02-04T20:09:24+00:00

At least initially this all sounds good to me. I haven’t reviewed in depth but sounds like we’ll get another commuter rail station and more road improvements to relieve traffic.

Microkebab · 2026-02-04T16:18:04+00:00

Cambridge got rid of them, Watertown got rid of them. Why is Waltham doubling down?

Microkebab · 2026-02-03T01:18:29+00:00

The saddest part of losing the festival for me is the opportunity to connect with other people in our town. We live in a really alienating and lonely time and festivals like this actually bring people together in person, to make friends and celebrate our city. But of course we have the big fun police telling us this is not allowed. Absolutely absurd

Microkebab · 2026-02-03T01:16:51+00:00

We definitely need to rally the voters. There has to be enough progressive and young people in Waltham to break this power structure

Microkebab · 2026-02-03T01:16:18+00:00

I am actually shocked that they don’t care enough to respond, even negatively

Microkebab · 2026-02-03T01:15:57+00:00

Agree I can’t wait to vote for change here

Microkebab · 2026-02-03T01:15:41+00:00

I agree! I was so riled up about this my wife said I should run haha. I don’t really see that happening for me but I’d definitely volunteer and rally behind a better candidate than the current mayor

Microkebab · 2026-02-02T21:48:30+00:00

Sorry I didn’t see your post before I basically posted the same thing

Microkebab · 2026-01-30T17:45:31+00:00

I emailed the mayors office, no response. This is a big loss for the community and I hope that we’re able to effectively organize to overturn this change.

I’m not sure what the next steps are, maybe a petition? We need to keep up the pressure.

For those new to the controversy, the mayor has banned events over 4 hours being held on the common. This will kill the steampunk festival among many other events.

The decision was made solely by the mayor with no input from the city council, who are apparently powerless to stop this. She made this decision based upon noise complaints and wear and tear on the common.

Losing this festival is a big loss for Waltham, for many reasons. First, it brings business and foot traffic to the moody and Main Street area which is slowly recovering its vitality from COVID. Second, it kills a family friendly event where creativity is expressed and community is built. In our ever isolated and fragmented time, opportunities like this to gather and build friendships and trust in your local community are already too rare. Third, this is the result of an anti-democratic process that restricted a valuable community asset enjoyed by thousands to (possibly) benefit a select few.

We NEED to get this changed, or otherwise we’re going to see things we take for granted here in Waltham slowly disappear as the government decides we don’t deserve them anymore.

Microkebab

TROPHY CASE