Committee grapples with possible ban on data centers

The Harrison Township Committee has postponed a vote on a proposed ordinance that would ban artificial intelligence data centers within the community. The decision to table the ordinance, initially introduced on April 6, was made on April 18 because the Joint Land Use Board had not yet reviewed it for consistency with the township's master plan. Township Solicitor Brian Duffield explained that the Joint Land Use Board canceled its last meeting, preventing the necessary review. The committee now plans to vote on the ordinance at its session on May 18. Mayor Adam Wingate stated that while the township acknowledges the increasing demand for data centers, there are many unknowns regarding their development and long-term impact. He noted that current township ordinances do not address data centers, and this proactive step ensures Harrison Township retains control over its future. Wingate highlighted specific concerns including potential strain on the electrical grid, demand on local water sources for cooling, and overall environmental impacts. Although data centers could bring financial benefits through tax revenue, the mayor emphasized that the township is unwilling to serve as a testing ground for developers without clear, proven safeguards. He added that the conversation could be revisited in the future if these concerns are adequately addressed and it's demonstrated that such developments would not negatively impact the community. Until then, data centers will be prohibited in Harrison Township.