Meeting on AI data center in Kenilworth, N.J., called off, frustrating residents
Residents in Kenilworth, New Jersey, protested plans for a 400,000-square-foot AI data center by CoreWeave at a canceled borough planning board meeting. The project was previously approved by the board last year. Opponents voiced concerns about environmental impacts, including noise, air, light, and water pollution, as well as rising electric bills.
Dozens of residents in Union County, New Jersey, gathered to protest a proposed 400,000-square-foot artificial intelligence data center in Kenilworth. The protest took place on Tuesday at a scheduled borough planning board meeting, which was subsequently canceled due to an insufficient number of board members present to conduct official business. This cancellation further frustrated residents, with some alleging it was not legitimate.
The AI data center, planned for the site of a former pharmaceutical company on Galloping Hill Road, is being constructed by CoreWeave. While the planning board approved the redevelopment last year, residents are expressing significant opposition, citing concerns over rising electric bills, noise, air, light, and water pollution. CoreWeave has stated the project was encouraged by local and state policymakers and is designed to be a responsible neighbor. The company plans to host a public forum in June to address community questions, though some residents unequivocally stated they want the project stopped, not just questions answered.