Bayonne council hears more outcry against data centers as it turns out city zoned for 3

Following a public rally outside Bayonne City Hall, city officials disclosed that three redevelopment plans, dating back to 2022, permit data centers as an existing 'as-of-right' use, conflicting with the current City Council's vocal opposition to such facilities. Mayor-elect Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski and 8th District congressional candidate Mussab Ali joined residents in protesting data center development, highlighting it as a significant local issue. Assistant City Attorney William Opel explained that while the council has passed resolutions to oppose new data centers and investigate rescinding existing zoning permissions, these older redevelopment plans still allow them. The plans include New Hook Road (amended 2025), 69-73 LeFante Way (adopted 2022), and the Exxon redevelopment plan (adopted 2022). Opel noted that no specific data center project applications are currently pending before the council or land use boards. The city is due for a Master Plan rewrite next year, which Opel suggested would be the best opportunity to re-examine data center zoning. However, amending the redevelopment plans immediately could lead to legal repercussions from property owners. Councilman Neil Carroll reiterated that the council would have to approve any future applications and currently remains opposed. Patricia Hilliard of the New Jersey Sierra Club and Ben Dziobek of Climate Revolution Action Network criticized the lack of transparency and urged the council to pass an ordinance banning data centers, citing successful efforts in other municipalities.