Revised plans approved for 'hyper-scale' data center in South Jersey
Vineland's planning board has approved revised development plans for a hyper-scale data center, despite intense opposition from residents and environmental groups. The updated plans include a switch to on-site fuel cells from Bloom Energy for power generation, replacing a previous generator-based system. The decision followed two lengthy public hearings that highlighted concerns about water usage, emissions, and the interpretation of zoning ordinances.
Vineland's planning board voted 8-1 to approve amended development plans for a DataOne Vineland LLC hyper-scale data center, which partially opened last year, despite significant public opposition. The decision came after two special six-hour hearings held at the Landis Theater, featuring conflicting testimony from expert witnesses on topics ranging from land use law to environmental regulations.
Key changes to the project's site plan, now amended twice from the original June 2024 version, involve a pivot to on-site fuel cells from Bloom Energy, capable of providing 374 megawatts of power. This new approach replaces the initial plan for on-site generators, with the goal of reducing air emissions and eliminating reliance on the municipal electric utility. Concerns persist regarding the facility's substantial water demands, with plans for a 27-million-gallon cooling water reservoir.
Opposing groups, including Sustained SJ and legal representation from Earthjustice, raised questions about the project's scale, technological unknowns, and potential impacts on residents, citing issues like incessant humming from the facility. Resident Andrew Groetsch, represented by attorney Ray Went, also challenged the validity of the zoning ordinance covering the property, claiming improper filing and an incorrect venue for the application. However, city officials presented correspondence to affirm the ordinance's proper filing. Project attorney Michael Fralinger and planner Creigh Rahenkamp countered that a data center is a permitted use under existing ordinances, despite not being explicitly named, a decision initially made by city zoning officer Patrick Finley.
Board members expressed mixed views during deliberations, with John Casadia casting the sole 'no' vote, citing unresolved questions about the project's resemblance to an office building and its scale. Vice Chairman David Catalana and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Arthur acknowledged shortcomings in the city's public engagement process but supported the project's approval. DataOne Vineland LLC owns and operates the facility, with Nebius Group N.V. identified as the tenant.