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NJ residents push back on $1.8B AI data center 

Some Union County residents are worried about how the project could affect their community, especially when it comes to pollution, noise, and the environment.

News 12 Staff

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Oct 8, 2026, 11:48 PM

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In Kenilworth residents are speaking out against a $1.8 billion AI data center that’s been approved for development.

The company, Core Weave, says it’s building a massive, hyperscale AI data center. The company already operates more than 30 data centers around the world.

Some Union County residents are worried about how the project could affect their community, especially when it comes to pollution, noise, and the environment.

“We don’t want an AI data center in our backyard. We don’t want the pollution it’s going to create. We don’t want the noise it’s going to create," says resident Kareena Gandhi.

Others are concerned about how the project could affect home values, especially for people who are trying to sell their homes.

The pushback reflects a growing debate happening across the country as AI continues to expand. Communities are weighing the potential economic benefits against concerns about how these massive facilities could impact their neighborhoods.

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