Too many unknowns

The Harrison Township Committee unanimously adopted an ordinance on May 18 that will prohibit data centers in the community.

The measure was first introduced at the committee’s April 6 meeting but was delayed because the Joint Land Use board was unable to meet that month to review it. The board did so at its May meeting, approving the ordinance and paving the way for adoption by the committee.

“This is just us putting something in our ordinance to get ahead of this whole data center brush that we seem to have around the state and the county,” Mayor Adam Wingate explained.

The brush he referred to represents how many local communities such as Mantua and Williamstown have taken action against data centers. The issue has prompted concerns over their potential negative impact, including on the environment, and the strain the facilities would put on water reserves and power lines. Excessive and loud noise are also an issue.

Residents in Vineland have fought a potential DataOne data center in their community. Existing Harrison Township code did not address the centers prior to the approved ordinance.

“While we recognize that artificial intelligence and expanding technology are shaping the future and, with that, an increasing demand for data centers, there are still many unknowns surrounding their development and long-term impact,” Wingate noted.

“We understand that data centers can bring financial benefits through tax revenue,” he added. “However, at this time, we are not willing to make Harrison Township a testing ground for developers without clear, proven safeguards in place.”

The mayor said if concerns about the centers are properly addressed in the future, the township could revisit its ban.

A public hearing for the data center ordinance failed to draw residents. Committee members Jeff Jacques and Michelle Powell were both absent from the committee vote.

The next Harrison Township Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday at the municipal building.