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Fair Haven council asks staff to research limits on AI/data‑center infrastructure
Summary
Council members raised concerns about large data centers’ noise, water and power demands and asked borough staff to compile model ordinances and report back; members discussed limits on utility infrastructure but noted permitting authority rests with state utilities and JCP&L.
Council members used the June 8 meeting to flag potential risks from large data centers and similar high‑demand facilities and asked borough staff to research regulatory approaches used by neighboring municipalities.
A council member said the borough should "get ahead of it" and asked staff — specifically Christina and Andrew — to prepare draft ordinance language for discussion. The initiating speaker cited concerns including noise, water consumption and heavy power demands for large facilities and said the council should consider local limits that would protect the borough’s character.
Members discussed the borough’s limited direct control over utility infrastructure: staff explained that pole installations and major feeder line siting are regulated by the Board of Public Utilities and JCP&L, meaning the borough cannot unilaterally deny utility builds. Council members nevertheless proposed working with nearby towns (Little Silver, Rumson) on coordinated language and asked staff to compile examples of recent municipal ordinances and moratoria.
A borough staffer noted that the state has recently issued moratoria on projects above certain capacities and that the council has time to consider options, while others urged the council to pursue clear, enforceable language focused on measurable impacts such as decibel levels and water usage rather than technology labels alone. "A lot of municipalities are exploring the same type of situation at the moment," a staff member said, offering to collect sample ordinances and present options.
The council did not draft or adopt ordinance text at the meeting but directed staff to compile local examples, benchmarks and possible regulatory approaches for the governing body to consider at a future workshop.
