Toms River moves to ban data centers townwide, though nobody has asked to build one

Toms River's Township Council has introduced an ordinance that would ban data centers, server farms and cryptocurrency-mining operations in every zone, planned development and redevelopment area in the township, The Lakewood Scoop and the Asbury Park Press report. Township officials could not issue zoning or construction permits, site plan approvals, variances or redevelopment agreements for them.

The ordinance cites the heavy electricity and water demands of large data centers: strain on the grid, higher bills for ratepayers, and pressure on local aquifers. The Asbury Park Press notes that no one is currently looking to build one in Toms River. A public hearing and possible final vote is set for Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Municipal Building. Neighboring Manchester has already passed a similar ban, part of a wave of New Jersey towns using zoning to keep the facilities out.