A massive hyper scale data center, the Sentinel Data Center, is being developed at 4405 Route 1 on the former Princeton Nurseries site, directly along Princeton's border with South Brunswick.

The proposed facility is approximately 341,000 square feet and would use 20 diesel generators for backup power, with an estimated 400,000 gallons of diesel fuel stored on site.

Why the location matters?
A project of this size and industrial intensity is particularly concerning because of its proximity to established residential neighborhoods, schools, Princeton University and environmentally sensitive areas, including the D&R Canal.

This is not simply a South Brunswick issue. Air pollution, noise, water use, increased demand on our electrical infrastructure and environmental impacts do not stop at municipal borders.

Several schools are in the surrounding area, including Riverside Elementary and Littlebrook Elementary in Princeton. Residents deserve to understand the full impact of a project of this magnitude before additional permits are granted.

We are also concerned that construction and site work are already underway while the permitting process continues.

Why diesel backup power deserves greater scrutiny?
The facility proposes 20 diesel-powered backup generators. Given the project's size and location, we believe cleaner alternatives should be seriously considered.

Princeton's Mayor and Council have formally urged NJDEP to consider cleaner backup solutions, including renewable generation and battery storage, rather than allowing the facility to rely heavily on diesel generation.

We are asking the State of New Jersey and NJDEP to:

1. Deny the Sentinel Data Center air pollution permit in its current form.
2. Require a comprehensive and independent assessment of the project's potential impact on air quality, public health, water, wildlife, noise and surrounding communities.
3. Require serious consideration of non-diesel and cleaner backup-power alternatives, including battery storage and renewable energy.
4. Fully evaluate the cumulative environmental impact of the proposed diesel generators and other nearby sources of pollution.
5. Examine the project's enormous electricity requirements and its potential impact on New Jersey's electrical grid and utility customers.
6. Ensure that Princeton, South Brunswick, Plainsboro, Kingston, West Windsor and other potentially affected communities have a meaningful voice in the approval process.
7. Establish stronger statewide safeguards for hyperscale data centers before allowing projects of this magnitude to proceed.

We are not opposed to technology or responsible development.

We are opposed to allowing enormous industrial facilities to move forward without adequate public scrutiny and without clear protections for the communities that will live with their consequences for decades.

The Municipality of Princeton has already raised concerns with NJDEP.

Now residents must make their voices heard as well.

We call upon NJDEP, our state leaders, legislators and local elected officials to protect the health, environment and quality of life of our communities.

DENY THE SENTINEL DATA CENTER AIR PERMIT IN ITS CURRENT FORM.