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Clark council introduces ordinances banning data centers, vacating Lakeside Boulevard and other measures
Summary
At its July 20 meeting the Township of Clark Council introduced five ordinances — including a ban on data centers, vacation of a paper street along Lakeside Boulevard, and an amendment to the affordable housing ordinance — and set public hearings for early August. All introductions passed by roll call; one ordinance was noted as tabled for later consideration.
The Township of Clark Council on July 20 introduced five ordinances and scheduled public hearings, moving the measures forward for additional review.
Mayor Angel Albanese summarized the slate of proposals and the council voted to introduce each by roll call. The measures include Ordinance 26-21 to vacate a 102-foot portion of a paper street identified as Lakeside Boulevard adjacent to Catherine Street; Ordinance 26-22 to amend the township’s affordable housing ordinance to remove a waiver provision required by the Fair Share settlement; Ordinance 26-23 to remove data centers as a permitted use across multiple zoning districts; Ordinance 26-24 to increase handicap parking at the municipal building lot from four spaces to eight; and Ordinance 26-25 to prohibit the possession and consumption of open alcoholic containers in public places.
Albanese described the Lakeside Boulevard ordinance as completing “a long standing commitment” to return title to adjoining owners and said sketches and a meets-and-bounds description are attached to the ordinance. On the affordable housing amendment the mayor said the change is required by the township’s settlement with a housing oversight entity and will be reviewed by the planning board for master-plan consistency before final council adoption.
“Prohibition of data centers” drew particular attention during the mayor’s remarks; he said the planning board will reexamine the master plan before a final council decision so the ordinance is consistent with existing planning documents. The mayor told the council the data-center language follows legal review to avoid inconsistencies with state actions other municipalities have faced.
All introductions were approved by roll call votes with affirmative responses from the council members present. Public hearings were scheduled for August 17 for Ordinances 26-21, 26-22 and 26-23; Ordinances 26-24 and 26-25 were set for public hearing on August 3. One ordinance noted earlier on the agenda was tabled for later consideration.
The council also flagged administrative follow-ups: owners within 200 feet of the Lakeside Boulevard area will be mailed notice and the planning board will review ordinance consistency where required. The mayor said supporting exhibits and maps are posted with the ordinance materials.
The council’s action moves each ordinance to the next step of the local process; none of the introduced measures were adopted at the July 20 meeting.
