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Anger boils over as Kenilworth moves ahead with AI data center proposal

A packed meeting at Borough Hall drew residents criticizing the planning board, saying many of their concerns went largely unanswered.

Christine Queally

Apr 29, 2026, 5:48 AM

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Residents voiced strong opposition in Kenilworth Tuesday evening as plans move forward for a new AI data center, raising concerns about notice and neighborhood impact.

A packed meeting at Borough Hall drew residents criticizing the planning board, saying many of their concerns went largely unanswered. Several residents said they are worried the data center will drain neighborhood resources.

Others said the board moved forward with the project without providing ample notice to the community.

During the meeting, some residents questioned how the project was communicated, saying they did not receive notification despite living nearby.

The planning board did not address questions about the data center itself and instead focused on whether the property at the former Merck building should be subdivided.

Residents are expected to raise their concerns again at a council meeting next month.

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