AI-generated illustration of cryptocurrency-mining equipment; not a Toms River facility.
The council approved the ordinance on first reading, according to a published account of the meeting. The proposal would amend the township’s land-use regulations to prohibit the facilities as permitted or conditional uses in all zoning districts and redevelopment areas.
The proposal had been under consideration before the November meeting. The township Planning Board’s November 4 agenda also listed the proposed prohibition for review and a recommendation to the council.
Data centers and server farms house computer equipment used to store information and operate digital services. Cryptocurrency-mining facilities use specialized computers to process transactions involving digital currencies.
For residents, the central issue is what types of facilities the township will allow to be developed within its borders. The proposed restrictions would apply across the municipality, rather than being limited to a particular neighborhood or redevelopment site.
The recent action was a first-reading approval, rather than final adoption. Residents should therefore distinguish between the council advancing the proposal and a completed ban taking effect.