Data center ban ordinance
Summary
A proposed ordinance would define 'data centers' and ban them as a permitted use in every zoning district in Bayonne. That decides where — and whether — warehouse-scale server facilities could ever open here.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 16
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
Residents fear higher electric bills — data centers were cited as a driver of New Jersey's 20% utility jumps.
Residents and officials who want to keep large server-facility development out of Bayonne's neighborhoods and industrial zones.
Property owners or developers who might have wanted to build or operate a data center in Bayonne.
Mentions & discussions (12)
New Jersey's second largest city just banned data centers. See which other towns have as well.
New Jersey's second largest city just banned data centers. See which other towns have as well. Yahoo
After months of organizing, a New Jersey city voted 5-0 to ban data centers
After months of organizing, a New Jersey city voted 5-0 to ban data centers The Cool Down
Bayonne becomes latest municipality to ban data centers
Bayonne becomes latest municipality to ban data centers ROI-NJ
Bayonne Bans Data Centers
Bayonne Bans Data Centers Patch
Bayonne says no to new data centers
Bayonne says no to new data centers The Jersey Vindicator
Bayonne City Council — 2026-08-12
The council gave final passage to a ban on data centers in every zoning district — the culmination of a resident-led fight that started in April. Speakers warned the ban doesn't touch three previously approved data center permissions and urged follow-up rules on water use, noise, and PFAS.
Bayonne City Council — 2026-08-05
A proposed ordinance would define 'data centers' and ban them as a permitted use in every zoning district in Bayonne. That decides where — and whether — warehouse-scale server facilities could ever open here.
Bayonne City Council — 2026-07-22
The council took its first formal step to ban data centers in every zoning district in Bayonne, responding to resident concern about power demands, noise, water use and limited jobs. Public hearing is August 12 — residents can still weigh in before final passage.
Hudson County Commissioners Back State Data Center Regulations as Bayonne Debate Continues
Hudson County Commissioners Back State Data Center Regulations as Bayonne Debate Continues TAPinto
Bayonne City Council — 2026-06-17
Residents pressed the outgoing council to ban data centers, saying an ordinance was promised for June but never appeared. Speakers cited environmental risk, diesel generators, and the Bayonne Energy Center ownership transfer as warning signs.
Bayonne City Council — 2026-05-13
Residents packed the chamber to demand the council ban data centers after learning three redevelopment plans — including New Hook Road, amended in December 2025 — already allow the use. The city's attorney said no application is pending and the 2027 master plan re-examination is the proper venue; speakers called for an immediate ordinance.
Bayonne City Council — 2026-04-15
Residents flooded the meeting worried a data center could be built on the Hook Road-area warehouse site after the council in December added 'data center' to the allowed uses. They cited rising electric bills, pollution, noise, and property values. The council committed to not approving any data center and to research rescinding the expanded use.
Related development
Redevelopment plan — 80 W. 47th Street and 979-993 Avenue C
Opens the site to redevelopment under the new plan.
Data Center Prohibition Ordinance
If finally adopted, no data center could ever be built in Bayonne — a direct response to the community fight over the Newhook Road proposal.
Data center prohibition (Chapters 33 and 35)
Closes the door on new data centers citywide, but three already-approved permissions remain a live issue residents want addressed with water, noise, and environmental rules.
Potential data center use — Hook Road-area property
Residents fear higher utility bills, pollution, noise and lower property values; nothing can be built without further council and planning board approvals.
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