South Brunswick Residents Push Back Against Planned Data Center
Residents and local officials are opposing a data center under construction in South Brunswick because of concerns about emissions from proposed backup diesel generators and potential effects on air, water, noise and infrastructure. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing Sentinel Data Centers’ generator permit application, while the project itself was approved by the South Brunswick Planning Board in May 2025.
A data center under construction at the former Princeton Nurseries property on Route 1 in South Brunswick is facing opposition from nearby residents and officials in surrounding communities. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing Sentinel Data Centers’ application to install backup diesel generators and has opened a public comment period.
The South Brunswick Planning Board approved the data center in May 2025, but residents said they were unaware of the project until the state began soliciting comments on the generator permits. Princeton Mayor Mark Freda and the Princeton City Council urged the DEP to reject the air permit, citing potential impacts on air quality and public health. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and congressional candidates Adam Hamawy and Gregg Mele also raised concerns about emissions, noise, water demand and electricity infrastructure, while some residents called for the entire project to be reconsidered.