Woolwich Township Confirms Data Centers Banned Under Current Zoning Rules

WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP, NJ – Woolwich Township officials are addressing resident concerns regarding data center developments, clarifying that the township's current zoning code prohibits such facilities within its borders. This announcement comes in response to recent news reports about proposed data centers in Gloucester and Cumberland Counties, prompting questions from local residents, including those in nearby Woodbury.

Mayor Natalie Matthias acknowledged the community's engagement. “It’s always encouraging to see our residents engaged and paying attention to how our community is growing,” Mayor Matthias stated. She recognized that Woolwich’s location and existing industrial and warehouse zoning might lead to questions, but she firmly reaffirmed, “under the township’s current zoning code, no warehouse sites — existing or future — are permitted to be used for data centers.”

Data centers are specialized facilities housing IT infrastructure for data storage, processing, and distribution. Residents across the region have expressed concerns about these facilities, particularly their high consumption of electricity and water, following recent announcements of planned data centers in other parts of South Jersey.

Mayor Matthias highlighted the community impact of these facilities. “While data centers can sometimes bring investment or jobs, they also impose heavy demands on local electric grids and water systems,” she explained. “In a time when many New Jersey families are already struggling with rising utility costs, we understand and share the community’s concern about ensuring sustainable growth and protecting resources for our residents.”

Woolwich Township’s zoning standards do not list data centers as a permitted use in any zones, including warehouse (CD) or commercial (CC) zones. Any developer seeking to establish a data center would need to apply for a formal use variance before the Joint Land Use Board (JLUB). This process requires a public hearing, in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), ensuring full transparency for residents.

“No application or request for a data center has been submitted to Woolwich’s JLUB,” Mayor Matthias confirmed. She concluded by assuring residents, “We want residents to know that we hear your concerns, and we remain committed to balancing economic opportunity with the protection of our community’s character, infrastructure, and quality of life.”

Jim Watson serves as the Woolwich Township Administrator.