First steps made to ban AI data center in NJ community

Residents of Monroe Township, New Jersey, are voicing strong opposition to the potential construction of a data center in their community. The concern stems from existing language in a township ordinance, which the Monroe Township Council has now taken initial steps to change. During a Wednesday night meeting, the council approved a motion to lay the groundwork for banning data centers. This involved a first reading of an ordinance amendment, specifically Ordinance 2020-26, which aims to eliminate data centers and related uses from the controversial Hexa Builders redevelopment plan. Community members present at the meeting vehemently opposed data centers, citing concerns about their potential existential threat to the economy, public health, and the environment. While Hexa Builders had only submitted an application for a warehouse, not a data center, on land along the Black Horse Pike, residents expressed disapproval for both developments. Council members indicated that township attorneys will review the new ordinance language to ensure it is legally sound, aiming to prevent future lawsuits should a ban be enacted.