Developer Considers Data Center While Opposition Grows
Strong opposition is growing in Manchester, New Jersey, against potential data center developments. Residents and the Pinelands Alliance are urging the Manchester Township Council to ban data centers, citing concerns over electricity demand, water consumption, noise pollution, and environmental impact. A developer with a warehouse approval is reportedly considering data center use for a portion of their site.
Manchester, New Jersey, is experiencing significant public opposition to potential data center developments, with concerns expected to be voiced at an upcoming August 10 Township Council meeting. Councilwoman Judy Noonan raised the issue, noting her personal concerns about the local infrastructure's inability to handle the high electrical and water demands of data centers.
Business Administrator Carl Block confirmed that a developer, who previously secured approval for a warehouse complex, is now exploring the feasibility of using a portion of that site for a data center. The township is currently seeking information regarding the project's projected power and water usage.
The Pinelands Alliance, a nonprofit focused on environmental protection, has launched a petition urging the Manchester Township Council to repeal a redevelopment plan that currently permits data centers on specific lots (Block 62: Lots 30 and 31.01) within the Pinelands area. The petition also calls for a broader municipal ordinance to ban data centers entirely, similar to actions taken by over 40 other New Jersey municipalities. Residents, through online comments, expressed strong opposition, citing worries about increased electricity prices, water restrictions, noise pollution, habitat destruction, and a diminished quality of life, drawing parallels to issues experienced in Vineland. New York's recent statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers was also referenced as an example for New Jersey.