Monroe Twp. officials deny data center application after community pushback

The Monroe Township Planning Board in Gloucester County, New Jersey, voted unanimously on Tuesday night to deny a data center application proposed by Hexa Builders. The application was part of a larger redevelopment plan. This denial comes after Monroe Township officials passed ordinances earlier this year, effectively repealing data center use for the Hexa redevelopment zone and instituting a permanent ban on data centers within the township. However, because the application was submitted before the May 13 ban took effect, the Planning Board was legally obligated to consider it. Township officials stated that since January, they have been committed to addressing residents' concerns and developing lawful ordinances to protect the township and prevent data centers from being built there. The social media statement from the township confirmed their success in establishing a permanent ban.