Cranford Moves To Ban Data Centers As Residents Raise Concerns

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford residents and officials spent part of Monday night’s Township Committee meeting focused on a proposed AI data center in neighboring Kenilworth, with concerns centered on what the project could mean for surrounding communities.

The $250 million facility is planned just outside Cranford, and its size and proximity drew attention from residents who raised concerns about potential environmental impacts and the tax incentives tied to the project.

At the meeting, the Township Committee unanimously approved an ordinance that updates the township’s land development code to remove data centers as a permitted use in Cranford’s commercial zones, a move aimed at preventing similar projects from being built locally. The ordinance still must go through a public hearing and a final vote before it can take effect.

During public comment, several residents urged township leaders to take a stronger position on the Kenilworth project itself.

Will Thilly said he supported Cranford’s local action but wanted to see a clearer stance on the nearby development.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity… to make a firm statement that we are also against the construction and two hundred and fifty million dollar tax exemption for the AI data center in Kenilworth,” Thilly said.

Rebecca Davis raised concerns about environmental and health impacts, saying the issue felt personal due to her family’s medical history.

“I’m very concerned if there’s pollution in the air or water from the data center,” Davis said.

She also called for independent oversight if the project moves forward.

“I think they need an independent group to do it… and some kind of consequences,” Davis said. “If there is more pollution in the air and the water, then it shouldn’t just be a fine. They should have to close down or something like that.”

Others focused on how residents learn about major development projects and how nearby towns communicate with the public.

Fanwood resident Gary Morris pointed to Kenilworth as an example of how communication can shape public reaction.

“You shouldn’t have a data center sneak up on you like what happened in Kenilworth,” Morris said.

The discussion is expected to continue as Cranford advances its ordinance process and as the Kenilworth project moves forward.