Berkeley Becomes Latest Town To Ban Data Centers

BERKELEY, NJ — Though they could be a financial boon to the town, Berkeley Township officials voted to ban data centers at the latest Township Council meeting.

Councilman James Byrnes introduced the measure, noting that data centers could "bring a lot of money into the town."

There are many sites in Berkeley that would be good for data centers, Byrnes added.

"But until they develop better technology" Byrnes wanted to ban data centers.

"I think it could help the town later on," Byrnes said.

AI data centers are currently undergoing a boom in New Jersey. But concerns have been raised over electricity usage and water consumption.

RELATED: More Than 100 NJ Towns Have Banned AI Data Centers: See Updated List

Mayor John Bacchione agreed.

"It could be a great ratable for the town, but I agree that they cost a lot of our utilities," Bacchione said.

He added that he was looking forward to the improved technology.

Township Attorney Lauren Staiger noted that data centers are not currently an allowed use in Berkeley. That would mean that before the ban, anyone looking to construct a data center in Berkeley would need to get a variance approved.