Opposition grows over South Brunswick data center and proposed diesel generators
Opposition is growing to a 341,000-square-foot data center under construction at the former Princeton Nurseries site in South Brunswick, particularly over 20 proposed diesel generators and potential air, water and waste impacts. A lawsuit challenging the project was decided in favor of South Brunswick and the developer but is being appealed, while the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is accepting public comments on the air pollution permit through Nov. 9.
The Princeton Nurseries data center in South Brunswick, also known as the Sentinel Data Center, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. WRV Nurseries South Brunswick Owner, LLC acquired the 143-acre former Princeton University property in 2024, and Sentinel is developing the 341,000-square-foot facility. The project is designed for 70 megawatts of electricity and would include 20 diesel-fired emergency generators, prompting concerns about air pollution, water use and waste.
Residents Mark and Katherine Smith sued South Brunswick Township and WRV over the project’s consistency with the township’s master plan. A court ruled in favor of the township and developer on Sept. 2, but the decision is being appealed. Separately, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection held a Sept. 23 hearing on the generators’ air pollution permit and extended the public comment period to Nov. 9.
Princeton students, faculty, residents and municipal officials have opposed the project. Princeton Mayor Mark Freda and the Princeton Council urged stronger environmental review, while student government passed a statement opposing the development. The DEP said it has not set a timeline for a final permit decision while public comments remain open.