As Master Plan Update Continues, Lawrence Residents Focus on Growth, Housing and Traffic
Lawrence Township is undergoing its first comprehensive Master Plan update in decades, prompting residents to raise concerns about growth, housing, traffic, and the potential for future data center development. Local officials are discussing how to address data centers within the township's long-term planning, acknowledging statewide interest in increased oversight of such developments. The updated Master Plan will guide land use and zoning ordinances for the township's future.
Lawrence Township, New Jersey, is in the process of updating its comprehensive Master Plan, the first full revision in decades. During a public meeting on June 11, residents expressed concerns about broader development issues, including proposed redevelopment of the former Educational Testing Service (ETS) campus, affordable housing, traffic impacts, and the emerging possibility of future artificial intelligence data center development.
While no specific data center proposals have been submitted for Lawrence Township, residents queried officials on how the township plans to address such facilities, citing concerns over noise, energy consumption, environmental impacts, and utility costs. Mayor Chris Bobbitt confirmed that discussions are already underway among local officials regarding data centers. Township Planner Elizabeth McManus noted that the Master Plan serves as a foundational document guiding land use, zoning ordinances, and decisions by the Planning and Zoning Boards.
Mercer County Planner Maria Connolly added that many municipalities are awaiting state-level guidance before adopting local data center policies, referencing advocacy from Gov. Mikie Sherrill for increased oversight in New Jersey. The updated Master Plan, expected to include elements such as goals and objectives, land use, circulation, conservation, economic development, and sustainability, is anticipated to be completed and adopted by the end of the year, with the next public meeting scheduled for September.