Data Center Fears In Summit Cause Debate Among Officials

SUMMIT, NJ — Talk of possible artificial intelligence data centers tied to the future of the former Bristol-Myers Squibb campus in Summit led to discussion at The Tuesday Common Council meeting, as officials weighed how the city should handle future development on the site.

The conversation centered on the 88-acre former Bristol-Myers Squibb pharmaceutical campus on Upper Morris Avenue, which is expected to be redeveloped, raising questions about what types of projects should be allowed there going forward.

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Officials said the issue has taken on added importance as similar former corporate campuses in nearby communities have been turned into large-scale data center projects.

“We have a couple of sites in Summit that could be large enough for these types of developments, a risk that is emerging because of the sale of Bristol-Myers Squibb property on Upper Morris Avenue, and we have a very strong desire to prevent these unwanted developments here,” saud Councilman Dan Crisafulli said.

Councilman Jamel Boyer said Summit should act before redevelopment moves too far along, pointing to what he described as a broader regional pattern.

“The pattern is straightforward: pharmaceutical R and D campus no longer needed by its original tenant, sold to a developer, then to a data center,” Boyer said. “I think every member of this council, and every resident in this room ought to take a hard look at this pattern, because it is about to become directly relevant to Summit.”

Boyer said data centers can require heavy infrastructure use, including continuous generator operations, and said he believes the city should move quickly to restrict them.

“I live across the street from the Overlook Hospital, and once a week that generator turns on and it rocks my house,” Boyer said. “I surely don't want a data center here in Summit.”

Other council members said they support reviewing the issue but cautioned against making zoning changes without clear definitions and legal review.

Councilwoman Jaclyn Lasaracina said more clarity is needed before any changes are made.

“I’m not clear on what we’re even responding to, and when we rush in this way, this is when mistakes get made,” Lasaracina said.

Crisafulli also said the city needs to ensure any rules are clearly defined so they do not unintentionally impact existing or future uses already operating in town.

“We need to understand, how do you define a data center, and I think we need to have the definition based on standard practices and square footage,” Crisafulli said. “There is already existing data centers on the site, and we may be... doing something unintended here.”

Councilwoman Michelle Kalmanson said she supported taking time to refine the proposal.

“I don’t want to see data centers here in Summit, but I want to make sure we get this right, and I want to make sure we let the city staff do their job,” Kalmanson said.

The council ultimately rejected Boyer’s push for an immediate amendment but agreed to move forward with drafting a separate ordinance focused specifically on data centers for a future meeting.

Council President Claire Toth said the additional time will allow the city to better define the policy before moving ahead.

“We have time to introduce a data center specific ordinance with a hearing and a passage date of June 16, so that we can be sure we've got it right,” Toth said.