New Jersey residents push back as data center boom hits home
Residents in Kenilworth, New Jersey, are protesting construction of a $1.8 billion hyperscale AI data center being built by CoreWeave. Opponents cite concerns about pollution, noise and property values, while supporters argue the project could provide jobs and tax revenue if it meets local requirements.
Residents of Kenilworth, New Jersey, are rallying against the ongoing construction of a $1.8 billion hyperscale AI data center developed by CoreWeave. Protesters say the facility could increase pollution and noise and hurt nearby property values.
Supporters argue that data centers can generate jobs and tax revenue and should proceed when they satisfy local permitting requirements. Eric Masanet, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said the AI boom is producing larger facilities located closer to communities, with some using on-site power generation that can create local pollution. He said community opposition is giving residents more information and leverage to demand safer project designs.