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Warren introduces ordinance to prohibit data centers; committee member raises drafting concern
Summary
The township introduced Ordinance No. 26-19 to define and ban data centers in all zoning districts; Committeeman McCarey questioned why the ordinance includes performance standards if the use would be prohibited, and the attorney explained standards could apply if a variance were sought.
On first reading May 14, the Warren Township Committee introduced Ordinance No. 26-19, which would define data centers in the municipal code, designate them as a prohibited use in all zones, and add a set of supplementary performance standards.
Committeeman Croson said the ordinance is proactive, noting there are no current applications or plans for a data center in the township. He described the measure as part of “responsible planning.” Committeeman McCarey questioned why the draft ordinance includes performance standards if the use is prohibited; Township Attorney William Willard responded that the standards provide guidance in case a variance application comes before the Board of Adjustment.
The ordinance was approved on first reading. Committee members voting on first reading were McCarey (no), Blick (yes), Croson (yes), Kian (yes) and Fine (yes); the roll call shows one dissenting vote on introduction.
