Lacey Township Backs State Data Center Moratorium

LACEY, NJ — Lacey Township officials discussed a resolution supporting a temporary statewide moratorium on approval and development of large-scale data centers, as residents urged the township to adopt a local ordinance barring such projects.

Committeewoman PeggySue Juliano said the measure was something the township needed to discuss.

“I feel like we should support this so that we can put a stop to everybody worrying about whether this is something that’s going to be brought into our town or not,” she said.

The discussion later turned to whether Lacey should go beyond a resolution and adopt a local ordinance. Committeeman Peter Curatolo said a small data center in the industrial park near the nuclear plant might have little noticeable effect on residents.

“You wouldn’t hear it, see it, or smell it,” he said. The same official said the township had not been approached about a project and said possible tax revenue or other benefits should be weighed if a proposal ever emerged.

Curatolo also said residents should “keep an open mind” and argued that new revenue could help “our kids and our seniors and be lighter on your pocket.”

At the same time, residents pressed for stronger local action. They called for a local ban, as nearby towns like Manchester and Stafford have put into place.

Township officials said a local ordinance is possible but would take time and involve the Planning Board.

Officials also said Lacey’s zoning code does not permit data centers.