Kenilworth Residents Rally Against $1.8 Billion Data Center Amid Concerns Over Pollution and Lack of Transparency Residents of Kenilworth, New Jersey, are protesting the construction of a massive data center, citing concerns over pollution, lack of transparency, and potential impacts on local utilities. The $1.8 billion project has sparked community outrage, with residents demanding more information and a greater say in the decision-making process. Residents of Kenilworth, a small borough in New Jersey spanning just two square miles, are vehemently opposing the construction of a massive $1.8 billion, 400,000-square-foot data center in their community. The project, located on the former Merk Pharmaceuticals site on Galloping Hill Road near the Garden State Parkway, has sparked significant backlash from locals who claim they were caught off guard by the development. Many residents, like Carl Steinmetz, express concerns about potential pollution and the lack of transparency surrounding the project. Steinmetz remarked that he knew little about the data center and believed it was not a good idea, especially if it would pollute the area.The opposition was visibly demonstrated at a community meeting on Wednesday, where residents brought cowbells and whistles to voice their disapproval. Utility line markers have been posted across lawns in nearby neighborhoods, indicating the infrastructure changes required for the data center, now referred to as the Nest Center. Some neighbors on Washington Avenue reported that teenagers were going door-to-door to inform them about the potential new data center and encourage their involvement in the discussion.Shawn Smith, a member of Gen Z, is among those advocating for a say in the future of their community. Smith pointed out that the data center could impact local utility bills, despite assurances from developers. These concerns fueled a rally outside the municipal building before the council meeting, where residents demanded more transparency and accountability. CoreWeave, the company behind the data center, issued a statement asserting that they view data centers as investments in the communities that host them.They emphasized their commitment to being responsible neighbors and supporting long-term economic activity in the region, pledging ongoing engagement with the community. However, the residents remain skeptical and are pushing for more information and a greater role in the decision-making process. The controversy highlights the growing tension between technological advancement and community interests, as residents grapple with the potential consequences of hosting such a large-scale project in their small town