Clark Planning Board Discusses Data Center Preparedness and Westfield Avenue Congestion
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Clark Planning Board meeting, discussions focused on the potential development of data centers and ongoing congestion issues on Westfield Avenue. The board considered proactive measures to prepare for data center proposals, while a resident raised concerns about traffic exacerbated by multiple construction projects along a half-mile stretch of Westfield Avenue.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the potential impact of data centers on the township. A board member suggested that the board should proactively develop ordinances to manage potential data center developments, addressing concerns about electricity and water usage. Although the board acknowledged possible benefits in terms of tax revenue, they emphasized the importance of being prepared for infrastructural demands. It was noted that state requirements for electricity and water supply would need to be evaluated, and ongoing monitoring of the situation would be necessary. The governor’s recent four-point plan and federal requirements for energy self-sufficiency in such facilities were also flagged as important considerations.
Another notable subject was the traffic congestion on Westfield Avenue, brought to the board’s attention by a Clark resident. The resident expressed concern over seven proposed building projects within a little over half a mile, citing significant daily congestion. They inquired about the master plan’s time frame and the inclusion of traffic studies, which a board member confirmed should be available through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). The resident’s comments underscored the community’s growing unease about the impact of ongoing developments on local traffic conditions.
Sal Bonaccorso
Planning Board Officials:
Jim Ulrich, James Minniti, Kevin Koch, Michael Triola, Michael Altmann, Erik Jacobsen, Lance Steinberg, Carmen Brocato (Alt I)
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Meeting Type:
Planning Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/04/2026
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Recording Published:
06/04/2026
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Duration:
12 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Union County
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Towns:
Clark
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