Cherry Hill Township Council returns Monday, Aug. 17, for its first regular meeting since the unanimous vote three weeks ago that banned large-scale data centers from the township. The caucus begins at 7 p.m. in the N. John Amato Council Chambers at 820 Mercer St., with the regular meeting expected at 7:30 p.m. based on the July 27 format.
The Aug. 17 agenda had not been posted to the township's Agenda Center as of Wednesday, Aug. 12. The township posts agendas about 48 hours before a meeting, meaning residents can expect to see the docket by Saturday, Aug. 15.
What happened July 27
At its last session on July 27, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-10 on second reading, amending the zoning code to prohibit large-scale data centers. The law defines those facilities as buildings primarily used for AI, cloud computing, machine learning, cryptocurrency mining, colocation services or large-scale digital data storage. Smaller server rooms that serve a building's principal use remain permitted.
The ban takes effect 20 days after adoption, placing the effective date around Sunday, Aug. 16, one day before the next meeting.
"I've been vocal about our opposing data centers here … Council and I are proud to take proactive steps to ensure that their impacts, including increased energy demands, significant water usage, noise, and air pollution, do not affect our community," Mayor David Fleisher said at the July 27 meeting, as reported by 70and73.com.
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association and some construction unions opposed the outright ban, preferring a less absolute approach.
How to attend or comment
Residents can attend in person or join via Zoom at cherryhillnj.zoom.us/j/752589039 (Webinar ID: 752-589-039). Phone dial-in options include 929-205-6099, 312-626-6799 and 301-715-8592.
Anyone wishing to speak during public comment must register with the Municipal Clerk before 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17. The clerk's office, at 820 Mercer St., Room 107, is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at 856-488-7892.
Who sits on council
Council President William Carter III presides over the seven-member body, which includes Vice President Michele Golkow and council members Jennifer Apell, Rob Connor, Daniel DiRenzo Jr., Sangeeta Doshi and Jill Hulnick.
The Planning Board meets the following night, Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, with hearings on a proposed 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop at 800 Route 38 and a Columbia Boulevard residential subdivision on the agenda.
