Data Centers To Be Banned In Brick
Brick Township in New Jersey has unanimously introduced and passed an ordinance that effectively bans data centers by defining them as a distinct land use category and precluding them from all existing zoning classifications. This proactive measure was driven by concerns over rising electric bills, groundwater depletion, noise, wildfire risks, and industrial overdevelopment, despite no data centers currently being proposed or existing in the township.
The Brick Township Council in New Jersey has unanimously introduced and passed an ordinance that will effectively ban data centers within the township. The ordinance defines data centers as a unique land use that does not fit into any existing zoning categories, such as Warehouse, Distribution, Storage, Office, or Light Industrial, thereby prohibiting their construction across all zones.
Council Vice-President Derrick Ambrosino stated that data centers have not been permitted, and the amendment clarifies this by preventing developers from classifying a data center as a warehouse. Although no data centers have been proposed in Brick, the township's Land Use Committee recommended the measure due to concerns over rising electric bills, groundwater depletion, noise pollution, wildfire risks, and industrial overdevelopment.
Council members Gregory Cohen and Lisa Reina acknowledged the potential for future revenue from data centers but ultimately agreed that such facilities do not currently fit Brick Township's needs. They noted the possibility of amending the ordinance in the future if conditions change. The council's decision comes as Governor Mikie Sherrill has also announced a statewide plan to address the growing impact of data centers on energy demand and resource use, aiming to balance accountability with AI innovation.