Manchester Township, New Jersey, Bars Data Center in Redevelopment Zone

Manchester Township, New Jersey – The Manchester Township Council unanimously voted this week to amend an ordinance, effectively removing data centers as a permitted use in a redevelopment zone located in the northern part of town. The decision, which bars the possibility of a data center being built on a specific wooded plot, follows a significant grassroots effort by local residents.

Karen Argenti, a 20-year resident, was among more than a hundred residents who voiced concerns to the council, citing potential negative impacts on water resources, electricity demands, air quality, noise pollution from humming, and property values. Councilmember Judy Noonan expressed satisfaction with the council's decision, stating the area was not suitable for a data center given the environmental and community concerns.

While town officials noted that the developer of the land had not filed any imminent plans or permits for a data center, the possibility remained. Advocacy groups, like Save Barnegat Bay's Britta Forsberg, stated they would remain vigilant, reviewing current ordinances to assess if a broader ban is needed. This local action mirrors similar efforts across New Jersey where communities have resisted data center developments, prompting Governor Mikie Sherrill earlier this year to propose statewide 'guardrails' requiring data centers to report energy and water use, commit to clean energy, and pay living wages.