Maplewood Bans Data Centers And Detention Centers, Joins 110 NJ Towns
Maplewood Township approved an ordinance prohibiting data centers and detention centers in all zoning districts. The ban was driven partly by regional opposition to CoreWeave’s proposed $1.8 billion AI data center in nearby Kenilworth, amid concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, noise and environmental impacts.
Maplewood Township officials gave final approval to Ordinance No. 4017-26, amending the local zoning code to classify data centers and detention centers as non-permitted uses throughout the township. The action followed a request from a Union County resident for Maplewood and neighboring municipalities to oppose large data center developments planned in Kenilworth.
The regional concern centers on CoreWeave’s 247,000-square-foot AI data center at the former Merck campus in Kenilworth. The project is expected to use as much as 250 megawatts of electricity, while residents have also raised concerns about cooling-system noise, water consumption and broader environmental effects. More than 110 New Jersey municipalities have reportedly introduced or adopted similar restrictions.
The article also cites new state requirements for data center reporting on electricity, water and backup power, as well as a separate rate class for facilities drawing more than 50 megawatts. Separately, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million after finding unpermitted natural-gas backup generators at its Vineland site.