Data Center Ban Approved In Stafford Township

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township adopted an ordinance to prohibit data centers in town during the latest Township Council meeting.

According to the meeting discussion, Ordinance No. 2026-22 supplements Section 212-4.1 of the township code, titled "Additional Prohibited Uses."

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The ordinance defines data centers as facilities used to store and manage digital data.

The measure was described during the meeting as an amendment "to prohibit data centers in in town" and as "prohibiting opposing data centers in town."

"All data centers are hereby prohibited from operating anywhere in the Township of Stafford," the ordinance reads.

"I want to commend all of you for doing this," resident Allison Miller said. "I really hope that it sets a precedent amongst other shore towns to ban data centers."

"We're all using AI. We will need data centers, but seeing you protect the community and our neighborhoods from something like this encroaching on our resources, our infrastructure, and our way of life, I just wanted to send out a shout of appreciation," Miller said.

The ordinance also bans cannabis retailers, manufacturers, delivery services and more.

The measure passed unanimously.