Howell, NJ – The Howell Township Council took significant action Tuesday night aimed at strengthening land-use regulations and code enforcement, unanimously introducing an ordinance that would prohibit data centers throughout the township while also adopting a new ordinance allowing daily fines for continuing municipal code violations. The meeting also featured recognition of recently retired township employees and approval of farmland preservation funding.
Before taking action on the legislative agenda, Township Manager Brian Gross recognized several recently retired township employees, including former police officers and longtime municipal staff members. Each retiree will be honored with an engraved brick to be installed in front of Town Hall commemorating their years of public service.
Related: Howell Township, Monmouth County, Data Centers
Data center ban advances unanimously
Council members unanimously introduced Ordinance O-26-18, which would amend the township code to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts. A public hearing and final adoption vote is scheduled for Aug. 18.
Councilman Blake Rubel thanked Township Manager Brian Gross, township staff and planning consultants for completing the ordinance in time for the meeting.
“They were putting in the overtime to get this across to everyone,” Rubel said. “They did an extensive analysis of our ordinances prior to that to make sure it was a non-permitted use first, and that was the last step.”
Several residents praised the proposed ban during public comment, with one describing data centers as significantly more impactful than warehouse development and thanking the council for acting quickly on the issue. Others said the ordinance reflects the township’s willingness to update its zoning code to address emerging land-use concerns.
Council strengthens ordinance enforcement
The council also unanimously adopted Ordinance O-26-16, authorizing per-day fines for continuing ordinance violations after a public hearing drew no additional comments. Officials said the measure is intended to strengthen enforcement tools available to the township for recurring violations.
Residents speaking during public comment supported the ordinance, saying stronger penalties would improve accountability for property owners who fail to comply with local regulations.
Council members also discussed concerns raised by residents regarding alleged misuse of residential properties and permit applications. Several officials called for a review of whether false statements made on permit applications could violate existing state laws or township ordinances.
“If you’re going to fill out an application, then that’s what you’re saying the use is going to be,” Mayor John Leggio said. “That should be held to what it says.”
Farmland preservation and other resolutions approved
The council unanimously approved its consent agenda, including a resolution authorizing Howell Township to share in the purchase of a development easement preserving the Estate of Joan M. Lipski Farm at 893 Highway 33.
During public comment, Township Manager Brian Gross said Howell’s share of the preservation funding will come from the township’s Open Space Fund.
Council members also approved resolutions involving wastewater planning, tax map maintenance services, a shared services agreement with Monmouth County, acceptance and release of development guarantees, liquor license matters, and a resolution urging state lawmakers to repeal New Jersey’s gas tax escalator.
Summer events, library repairs discussed
Gross announced Howell Township’s paper shredding event will be held Saturday at Memorial Adelphia School for Monmouth County residents, while warning that the township’s rescheduled Independence Day and 250th anniversary celebration could face another postponement because of forecast heat indexes between 100 and 110 degrees. Officials planned to decide by 10 a.m. Wednesday whether the event could safely proceed.
Council members also discussed repairs at the Howell library, ongoing tree maintenance following recent storms, and efforts to improve enforcement of neighborhood quality-of-life issues raised by residents.
The next Howell Township Council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 18, when the council is expected to hold public hearings on both the proposed data center ban and the Route 33 drainage easement ordinance.
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