A Win Against Big Tech as The People Force Cancellation of Data Center
"The people, united, will never be defeated!" New Brunswick data centers were removed as permitted use after residents packed a public meeting.
In these dark, trying times, it’s important to be reminded that you have power. The people have power when they show up together.
A data center in New Brunswick was canceled and a park requirement restored after the public packed a public meeting.
“The chants outside New Brunswick City Hall could be heard inside the council chamber Tuesday night as residents packed the building to oppose a proposed data center at the Jersey-Sandford redevelopment site,” the Central Jerseyan reported.
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The people packed the meeting and they were parked outside chanting.
“So many people showed up that not everyone could fit inside. Those gathered outdoors continued chanting as council members debated an amendment to the Jersey-Sandford Redevelopment Plan that would have permitted data centers as a principal use on the property. Speaker after speaker urged the council to reject the proposal, raising concerns about electricity consumption, environmental impact, and the direction of development in the neighborhood.”
“By the end of the meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to amend the redevelopment plan to remove data centers as a permitted use and reinstate a park requirement for the site. The revised redevelopment plan was then adopted without the data center language.”
After the victory, residents celebrated with chants of “The people, united, will never be defeated” and more colorful speeches like, “We say a big f*ck you to Big Tech! We say a big f*ck you to private equity! And it’s time to build communities, not data centers!”
Watch here:
At a time when the people behind Big Tech and private equity are being shown to be corrupt, immoral and unworthy, it’s a huge victory to see the people push back and win.
Every victory matters. They want you demoralized; instead, give them a belief in the power of the people.
What do you think? Can data centers be stopped like in New Brunswick? Discuss in the comments below.
I believe they can be stopped as the people of New Brunswick have shown. This should be a wake up call to everyone, especially in rural areas where they’re getting data centers and they’re being forced into it. Do the research it’s gonna mess up your community!
Congratulations to the people of New Brunswick and thank you for showing us how it’s done!