Data Centers Remain Prohibited In Jackson
Jackson Township officials recently addressed resident and environmental commission concerns regarding data centers. The Township Council confirmed that data centers are currently a prohibited use under existing zoning codes, meaning any development would require a use variance. Council members expressed strong opposition to data centers, citing potential issues like increased electricity costs and environmental impact, and are considering further action despite current prohibitions.
The Jackson Township Council recently convened to discuss the ongoing concerns and inquiries from residents regarding the establishment of data centers within the municipality. Council President Mordechai Burnstein initiated the discussion, noting input from constituents and the chairman of the township's environmental commission, Ray Tremer III.
According to a memo from the township's legal counsel, data centers are not currently a permitted use in Jackson Township. The existing Township Code 244-6 deems any use not explicitly permitted as prohibited, and data centers are not listed in any zoning district. Consequently, any developer wishing to build a data center would need to apply for a use variance, which would require at least five affirmative votes from the township's Zoning Board.
Burnstein highlighted that adopting a new ordinance to prohibit data centers might not change the requirement for a use variance application, as is the case in other towns. Despite this, he presented a draft ordinance for the council's consideration, emphasizing that no council member supported making it easier to build data centers in Jackson. Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri and Councilmen Nino Borrelli, Ken Bressi, and Chris Pollak all voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over potential skyrocketing electricity costs for residents and the impact on the township's delicate ecosystem.
The council members expressed a unified stance against data center development, exploring all legal avenues to prevent their construction. Mayor Jennifer Kuhn affirmed her support for the council's position, indicating a consensus to protect Jackson from such developments.