Planning board recommends ordinance to bar data centers after residents raise water and infrastructure concerns

The Franklin Township Planning Board reviewed Ordinance 05/2026 on Aug. 21, a township-committee referral that would define and prohibit data centers as a permitted land use across all zoning districts.

Brandon, the township solicitor, told the board that the ordinance's language is "pretty strong and concrete" and that it appeared consistent with the master plan. Board members questioned the timing and asked whether the ordinance should be coordinated with other pending master-plan changes, but many voiced support for a clear prohibition to prevent future conversions.

The public portion drew multiple speakers who raised environmental and infrastructure concerns. Dave Marshall said communities elsewhere had faced problems with water supply and grid impacts and that wells had run dry near some facilities: "The wells have run dry," he said. Another resident urged the township to be proactive in protecting rural character. One attendee asked whether the discussion was politically timed; a resident answered that they hoped the decision would be made on its merits.

After public comment and board discussion, a motion that the planning board recommend Ordinance 05/2026 as consistent with the master plan passed by roll call. The record shows at least one board member recused themselves earlier in the discussion; the roll call produced a majority in favor and the planning board will send its recommendation to the township committee for final action.