KENILWORTH, NJ — The future of Kenilworth’s 2026 Master Plan was put on hold after residents spent hours raising concerns about a recently approved artificial intelligence data center and its potential impact on the borough.
The Planning Board ultimately voted unanimously to table the plan, saying more review was needed after a long public comment period focused heavily on the Galloping Hill Technology Campus project.
Several residents said the Master Plan did not fully reflect the scale of what has been approved for the site.
Kenilworth resident Danielle Palmie described the project during her comments, laying out what she said were key features of the facility.
She said it includes “a 280,000 square foot building converted to a 24/7 industrial energy use, 250 megawatts of electrical load, 50,000 square foot exterior chiller yard, 31 diesel generators on concrete pads.”
Concerns about environmental impact were also raised, particularly around water use and broader strain on local infrastructure.
Imani Nam Burton pointed to ongoing drought conditions in the state while questioning how the project fits into that reality.
“What is an AI data center in the face of a drought?” Burton asked.
Energy demand was another major concern. Victor Gomes, a Union County resident, referenced outside reporting on electricity prices and said data centers are playing a role in rising demand.
“Wholesale electricity prices have nearly doubled over the course of a year, with AI data center demand identified as a primary driver,” Gomes said, citing a PJM Interconnection report.
Other residents questioned aspects of how the project was reviewed before approval, including geotechnical information tied to the site. Tiffany Haltom pointed to concerns she raised about environmental review details, including flooding designations and soil references.
Planning Board Chairman Rich Picerno said the Master Plan is meant to guide long-term development and does not approve or deny specific projects.
“This master plan does not talk about any applications for development,” Picerno said. “It is a concept plan for the entire borough, and where we want to guide.”
Still, residents urged the board to consider stronger language in the plan, including restrictions on data centers as a permitted use in zoning districts.
After extended discussion, Board member Anthony Laudati made a motion to table the Master Plan so professionals could review the concerns raised during the meeting.
The motion passed unanimously.
After the vote, Picerno acknowledged the scope of public feedback.
“For the public, we heard you. You think we didn’t? We heard,” Picerno said. “I have three pages of notes… from electric to spills to noise, trucking, logistics, everything that you said tonight I have in here somewhere.”
He said the board will review the feedback with its professionals before bringing the plan back for further consideration.
A new date has not yet been scheduled for the revised Master Plan discussion.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Westfield, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.