Kenilworth planning board approves site plan to convert Building K11 into data center

The Kenilworth Planning Board voted unanimously to approve site plan Application 25‑003, permitting the conversion of Building K11 on the NEST campus into a data center and the installation of associated generator and chiller yards.

The approved plan covers repurposing an existing three‑story lab building (about a 70,000 square‑foot floor plate and roughly 247,000 square feet total across levels), a generator yard to the east and a chiller yard to the south, and associated site work. The board recorded the motion to approve on the record after board professionals and the applicant’s witnesses testified and the public comment period closed.

Why it matters: the project will add high‑capacity computing infrastructure and supporting mechanical systems at a redeveloped industrial campus in Kenilworth, bringing local land‑use changes (equipment yards, signage and security fencing), ongoing testing of standby generators, and regular maintenance activity. Board members and borough officials emphasized compliance with fire‑service access, sound regulations and state permitting before construction.

Applicant testimony and operations Michael Terlizzi, who testified for the…