MONTVILLE, NJ — Montville is plugging into the debate over data centers before an application lands on the township's doorstep.
The Planning Board reviewed an analysis during its Thursday, Aug. 27, meeting, focusing on noise, water use, electricity demand and zoning. No data center is proposed in Montville, officials stressed.
Still, township planner Joe Burgis said "data processing centers" are permitted in 10 zoning districts, while the code does not define a data center. That could allow an applicant to argue the use is permitted.
Board members also discussed how Montville could adequately power such a facility without harming the community. The township lacks sustained wind and open areas that could support green-energy sources, one member said.
Rather than ban the facilities outright, the planner recommended addressing them through the master plan and distinguishing large data centers from computer rooms used by banks, hospitals and other businesses.
"If your master plan doesn't address the issue, the courts are going to do it for you," he said.
The board agreed to forward the analysis to the Township Committee, which could consider protections and infrastructure requirements.
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