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Holmdel board debates how to define 'data center' and whether to protect small, accessory data uses
Summary
Board members and the planner debated whether the ordinance's definition of data centers is sufficiently precise to exclude small, on-site server rooms and accessory uses, with members warning numeric thresholds could be gamed and suggesting the zoning officer or a recommendation could handle fine-grain exceptions.
Board members spent much of the discussion unpacking how the ordinance defines "data center," whether a small, single-company server room would be caught, and whether the town should set numeric thresholds.
One member said the ordinance's whereas clauses were aimed at large-scale commercial operations but worried the definition might also sweep in smaller facilities: "...large scale commercial isn't necessarily the data center. You know, just have you can have a small 1," the member said. The planner responded that the ordinance targets principal-use data centers and that accessory, on-site servers used by a business would generally not be the intended target. Several members warned that a hard numeric cutoff (for example, a precise megawatt threshold) could be exploited; others suggested the zoning officer and applicant interpretation process should handle borderline cases.
Members discussed Bell Works and Lucent as existing locations where some data-related operations exist and debated whether current redevelopment plan allowances already permit certain data uses. The board agreed the letter to the Township Committee could endorse the ordinance's goal while recommending the Township Committee consider clarifying language to preserve accessory or small-scale data storage uses.
