Planning Board Backs Townshipwide Ban on Data Centers and Detention Centers
Nicholas Mistretta
Board recommends exemption for Montgomery police holding facilities; loop-road openings and Bloomberg walking paths also discussed
MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery Township Planning Board on June 8 determined that a proposed ordinance prohibiting data centers and detention centers throughout the township is consistent with the municipal Master Plan, while recommending that the measure be revised to protect the continued use of holding cells operated by the Montgomery Township Police Department.
The ordinance would amend the township’s land development regulations by adding data centers and detention centers to the list of prohibited uses and establishing definitions for both.
During the board’s review, members raised concerns that the proposed definition of a detention center could unintentionally apply to the temporary holding facilities located within the township police department.
Board members discussed several possible ways to address the issue, including language distinguishing a standalone detention facility from holding cells used by local law enforcement. The board ultimately recommended that the Township Committee add language specifically excluding Montgomery Township Police Department facilities from the prohibition.
The Planning Board voted unanimously to find the ordinance consistent with the Master Plan, subject to that recommended revision. The final wording and adoption of the ordinance remain under the authority of the Township Committee.
Members also discussed whether the proposed data center definition could affect businesses that maintain substantial computer systems as part of their operations, including Bloomberg.
The ordinance defines a data center as a facility whose primary services involve the storage, management and processing of digital data and that houses related computer and network systems. Board members noted that the reference to a facility’s “primary” service is intended to distinguish a dedicated data center from a company that uses extensive computer infrastructure in support of another principal business activity.
The discussion also addressed the significant electricity and water demands commonly associated with data centers. Members noted that Montgomery has limited industrial zoning but said the ordinance is intended to prevent the use from being established in the township, including on properties that could be redeveloped in the future.
Route 206 and Route 518 Loop Roads
The board also received an update on the loop-road network surrounding the intersection of Routes 206 and 518.
The roads are expected to open in phases over the next one to two months, accompanied by public education efforts, temporary signage and information distributed through local news and social media.
The new network will change how motorists make certain turns at the intersection and is intended to improve traffic circulation. Some existing turns may remain temporarily available during the transition so drivers who miss a new access point have another opportunity to reach Route 518.
Village Drive remains one of the more complicated sections to open because construction crews need access near the roadway and sidewalk to complete exterior work on an adjacent building. Officials are evaluating how the road may be opened safely while that work continues.
Bolmer Corner, described during the meeting as functioning similarly to a jughandle into the Montgomery Promenade property, may be among the first of the remaining roads to open.
Board members expressed optimism that the completed loop-road system will provide traffic relief at the Route 206 and Route 518 intersection
Bloomberg Walking-Path Proposal
The board also heard an update on Bloomberg’s proposal to install walking paths on its Montgomery property.
The project was previously reviewed by the Planning Board’s Site Plan and Subdivision Committee. One recommendation in the township’s review memorandum called for the addition of a sidewalk along Route 518.
Bloomberg is considering that recommendation and is expected to return to the committee. Depending on whether the outstanding issue is resolved, the application may later proceed directly to the full Planning Board or return for another subcommittee review.
Subdivision Resolution and Future Business
Earlier in the meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution memorializing its action on Case PB-01-25, involving a minor subdivision with a variance for properties along Route 206 identified as Block 3005, Lots 11, 14, 16 and 20.
The board later entered closed session to receive legal advice concerning pending litigation involving the Planning Board.
Future agenda items include the PSE&G Harlingen substation, GTP Acquisitions’ Thrive at Montgomery proposal, the Bloomberg walking-path project and the 23 Orchard redevelopment plan.
The board’s June 22 meeting was expected to be canceled because no applications were scheduled. The next Site Plan and Subdivision Committee meeting is scheduled for July 7, followed by the next Planning Board meeting on July 13.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com