Vineland residents pack into meeting over AI data center linked to humming noise
Residents of Vineland, New Jersey, strongly opposed a proposed 2.6 million-square-foot Data One data center at a packed public meeting, citing concerns over noise, water usage, and air quality. City officials heard testimony as the developer disclosed an average water consumption of 8 million gallons, leading to public outcry. The project's approval status is pending.
Residents of Vineland, New Jersey, and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, are actively resisting proposed data centers in their communities. In Vineland, a public meeting in Cumberland County saw a large turnout of residents, with city officials moving the event to the Landis Theater to accommodate the crowd, many of whom oppose the proposed 2.6 million-square-foot Data One facility.
Concerns raised by residents, including Peggy Schumacher, focused on the data center's potential impact on local air quality, water use, and noise, with several reporting a distinct humming sound and vibrations from the site affecting their homes. Data One, the developer, maintained that the site operates within local noise ordinance limits. During the meeting, a company representative stated the facility would require an average of 8 million gallons of water, a figure that drew audible reactions from the crowd when it was clarified that the full water needs had not yet been calculated.
Police maintained a significant security presence as city leaders heard testimony and advocacy groups questioned the proposal. If approved, Data One projects the data center could be built by next year, though public opposition remains strong as the decision process continues.