Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Kingsland Data Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press Nutley commissioners for details on proposed Kingsland Street data center
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Board of Commissioners to share more information about a possible data center on Kingsland Street, asking how the public will be notified and whether formal applications or tax abatements have been filed; commissioners said no formal application is pending but acknowledged the zoning allows data centers.
Residents pressed the Nutley Board of Commissioners on July 21 for clearer, earlier communication about a potential data center redevelopment on Kingsland Street and asked what limits exist on the project’s size and impacts.
"Have any of that happened yet?" asked resident Trish Noleski, referring to the developer’s required submissions under the settlement agreement; when the board answered no, she followed, "So have they filed an intent to develop that land?" Mayor Mary Kelly replied, "They have not filed the formal intention." (Trish Noleski)
Noleski and other speakers said the public relies on the township to supply information beyond OPRA releases and occasional meeting remarks. "That was a way to communicate with the general public in Nutley," Noleski said, urging the town to use the mayor’s notices and other channels to notify residents.
Laura Valente, another resident, asked the board to identify the outside experts advising the township and to explain what restrictions — if any — exist on noise, lighting and energy usage. "Is 65 megawatts permitted?" she asked, noting the developer’s banner claimed a 65-megawatt figure; the mayor and staff said the claim reflects advertising and that no application or associated approvals have been submitted.
Commissioner Petraco said the redevelopment plan and settlement agreement created permitted uses for the parcel, including data centers, residential, senior/assisted living and several other uses, but emphasized the developer drives proposals. "We do have the town’s best interest in hand," Petraco said, adding that the board and its redevelopment counsel are consulting experts but some details are subject to attorney–client privilege.
Board members repeatedly told residents the planning and review process would include public notices when formal applications are filed. "As we get information, we'll gladly share that with you when we can," the mayor said, explaining that planning-board filings and town notifications are required by law.
The board did not vote on any land-use applications, and commissioners said no formal filings have been received. Residents requested the township proactively publish updates when permissible and to seek broader resident input ahead of any formal application.
The next public meeting where the board could take items such as ordinance readings or resolutions is Aug. 4; any formal application that triggers statutory notices would be posted on the township website and noticed at that time.
