New Brunswick city officials voted Wednesday to cancel plans for a 27,000-square-foot artificial intelligence data center at 100 Jersey Avenue. Residents raised concerns about potential increases in electricity and water bills, as well as environmental impacts.
The site will now be redeveloped to include a public park, 600 new apartments, and small business warehouses. 10% of the apartments will be affordable housing.
Resident Opposition and Environmental Concerns
Hundreds of residents and community advocates attended the city council meeting to voice opposition. Local activists argued the data center would strain resources and contribute to rising utility costs. Bruce Morgan, president of the New Brunswick NAACP, said the community did not want a facility that would “take resources from the neighborhood,” according to Patch.
Environmental groups emphasized the broader impact of AI data centers, citing their high energy use and water consumption. A TikTok video posted by Climate Revolution NJ, a Gen Z-led climate advocacy group, captured the immediate reaction to the news.
Benjamin Dziobek, the Executive Director of the group, led chants: “The people. United. Will never be defeated.”
@climate.revolution Hundreds showed up to New Brunswick City Council tonight to stop the 27,000 sq. ft. data center proposed under the Jersey-Sandford Redevelopment Plan. This project was moving toward final approval. What was once pitched as mixed use residential and office space with a park quietly shifted toward a high-intensity AI data center. The building was full 20 minutes before the council meeting even started. Residents packed the chambers to speak out against the energy demand, water usage, and land use impacts this would bring to a predominantly working class black and brown community. Within an hour, it was pulled off the docket and the site was reverted back to park space. This is what it looks like when communities fight back against big tech and their billionaire private equity backers. New Brunswick we made it clear: the people united will never be defeated. Launch of our statewide AI campaign in March. Thank you to organizers from @rutgers.sea @nj.burn @fwwnewjersey @njpirgstudents and others who made tonight possible. #ai #datacenter #newbrunswick ♬ original sound – Climate Revolution
100 Jersey Avenue, part of the Jersey-Sandford Redevelopment Area, spans over 22 acres of underutilized property. The city plans to convert the site into housing, small business space, and public amenities like a park. Officials say the development aims to provide ample housing and revitalize the neighborhood.
Some residents said 10% affordable housing was insufficient. The city noted that New Brunswick currently has over 3,750 affordable units—22% of the housing stock—with more under construction.
Community Wins
Residents celebrated the council’s decision, chanting slogans opposing Big Tech and advocating for community-focused development. The vote highlights the impact of organized local opposition. In a region considered a hub for technology and AI development, it proved decisive.
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