A New AI Hub in South Jersey: Promises and Problems

A huge AI data center is being built in South Jersey, and not everyone is happy about it. The developer, a French company called DataOne, says this center will be different. They claim it will be eco-friendly and won't hurt the community. But many locals aren't convinced. The center is massive, covering 2. 4 million square feet and using 300 megawatts of power. It's already under construction and is expected to be finished by November. The company says it will use new technology to reduce its environmental impact. They promise it won't waste water or cause a big increase in electricity bills. But some residents are upset. They feel like the company didn't ask for their input until after the project was already underway. They also have concerns about the environmental and financial effects of the data center. The developer says he understands their worries, but he believes his center is different from others.Data centers are becoming more common across the country. They power the advanced AI tools that are used every day. But not everyone supports this growth. Environmental activists and some neighbors have pushed back against these facilities. In Vineland, the developer says his gas-powered center will have nearly zero emissions. He also says it will generate 85% of its own power. The facility will be privately funded, and the company turned down a loan from the city after residents complained. The developer says he wants to be a good neighbor. He plans to build a vertical farm across the street from the data center. This farm will provide free fruits and vegetables to local residents in need. But many residents are still skeptical. They question the developer's promises and accuse him of taking advantage of a city where many people live below the poverty line. At least one resident said he was moved by the developer's assurances, but he still had concerns about the noise from the construction.