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Residents urge moratorium, environmental review for proposed data centers
Summary
At the April 22 Sussex County meeting residents pressed commissioners to slow or limit data-center development, citing tree loss, water impacts, noise and insufficient local study, and urged an ordinance or moratorium until impacts are assessed.
Several Sussex County residents used the board’s public-comment period on April 22 to press elected officials for stronger local controls on large data‑center projects.
Dr. Claire Golden of Andover told the board, "I would like to suggest that you consider writing and adopting an ordinance to put a moratorum ... on the development of new data centers," arguing the county should study environmental and resource impacts before permitting large facilities.
Other speakers raised related concerns about loss of trees and open space, potential effects on private wells and water supplies, noise and long-term land‑use risks. Nicole Medina, a Green Township resident, said residents feel "scared" and want assurance that the county will demand sufficient environmental study before permitting facilities her and others worry could change the county’s rural character.
Commissioners and staff responded that municipal land-use authority remains with towns and townships and that county-level action cannot directly change municipal land-use approvals; the board noted it will continue to field public input while respecting municipal planning authority.
What’s next: multiple speakers urged the board to consider County-level ordinances or referrals to planning staff; no moratorium or ordinance was adopted at the April 22 meeting. The board scheduled public hearings on several ordinances for May 13, which provides near-term opportunities for additional public comment and follow-up by staff and commissioners.
