Residents unite to oppose possible AI data center
News ClipSouth Jersey Media·Williamstown, Gloucester County, NJ·3/12/2026
Residents in Williamstown, New Jersey are strongly opposing a proposed AI data center by Hexa Builders that would cover 1.6 million square feet. Their main concerns are the data center's excessive water and energy usage, which they believe would strain costs and negatively impact the environment. The Monroe Towship council is reevaluating the project and sending it back to the planning board for further review of the data center components. A similar proposal is also being considered in Vineland.
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Gov: Monroe Towship council, Vineland, Gloucester County
Local residents in Monroe Township, New Jersey have voiced strong opposition to a proposed AI data center project on the Black Horse Pike in Williamstown. Their main concerns include the center's high water and energy usage, which could significantly increase costs and negatively impact the environment. Resident Johnathan Duff argued that data centers pose an "extreme burden" on the community's electrical grid, citing studies showing potential price increases up to 382%. The project, proposed by Hexa Builders, was originally introduced last year as a warehouse but has been reevaluated to include AI safeguards. Mayor Greg Wolfe has requested the planning board review the data center component further, while Councilman John Valentine introduced an ordinance to ban data centers in the community altogether. Residents fear this project could set a precedent for more data centers in the region if approved.