Ai Data Center Under Construction In Kenilworth Draws Mixed Reactions From Residents

An artificial intelligence data center being developed by CoreWeave at the Northeast Science and Technology Center (NEST) in Kenilworth, Union County, New Jersey, is eliciting varied responses from the community. The project, which involves CoreWeave's acquisition of a significant portion of the NEST campus for its AI infrastructure, received approval from the Kenilworth Borough Council last year. Despite the approval, the data center's construction has largely gone unnoticed until recently, with CoreWeave representatives indicating to the Borough Council that completion is expected within months. While the project is set to bring at least 100 jobs as part of a state tax credit, some residents have voiced concerns about its proximity to their homes. Adding another layer to the development, state officials have introduced new legislation aimed at regulating the power sourcing methods for facilities like the Kenilworth data center. This legislative effort and the ongoing resident reactions highlight evolving considerations around data center development in the region.