The South Brunswick High School Democrats are deeply concerned about the construction of a massive 341,000-square-foot data center on the historic Princeton Nurseries property along Route 1. This property holds deep natural and cultural value for our town. While expanding digital infrastructure is important, this project poses serious environmental and health risks that our community simply cannot afford to ignore. We stand united against this development because it threatens our environment and is moving forward without adequate local consent or transparent oversight.

Air Quality and Health Risks:

Our primary concern is the facility's reliance on a large bank of heavy-duty diesel backup generators. When running or undergoing routine testing, these generators release dangerous emissions, including nitrogen oxides and toxic air pollutants. These emissions threaten the clean air of South Brunswick, our homes, and our local schools, while also impacting nearby communities in Princeton, Franklin, and West Windsor.

Environmental Impact:

Peer-reviewed studies consistently show that diesel emissions contribute directly to respiratory issues and long-term health risks. Placing a facility of this size so close to neighborhoods and schools significantly increases local air pollution. Beyond air quality, construction on this site risks harming local wildlife, destroying natural habitats, and placing further strain on New Jersey's already overtaxed environment.

Historic and Community Significance:

The Princeton Nurseries site is more than just open land. It is a piece of living history that reflects the heritage and character of our town. Developing an industrial data center on this historic property strips away a vital part of South Brunswick's identity and permanently alters the local landscape we all share.

Lack of Transparent Oversight:

This project has been fast-tracked without meaningful dialogue between developers, state regulators, and the people who live here. Residents have been left in the dark regarding full environmental risk assessments and mitigation plans. Our community deserves a seat at the table when decisions of this scale are being made.

Our Demand:

We are not against technological progress, but progress should never come at the expense of our health, our environment, and our history. We call on local and state leaders to halt construction until comprehensive environmental impact assessments are fully made public and genuine community input is heard. We also urge stakeholders to evaluate alternative industrial locations that do not put neighborhoods and historic land at risk.

Please join us in standing up for South Brunswick. Sign this petition today to demand transparency, protect our air, and preserve our town for future generations.