Data centers are becoming harder to ignore as the AI boom brings more concerns about electricity use and costs. Those concerns are already showing up across New Jersey, but one mayor believes his town has good reasons to keep data centers around.
Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli recently defended the facilities in his “Mayor’s Corner” message. While the growing backlash has even led to efforts to stop new data centers elsewhere, Gonnelli is taking a very different position on what they mean for his town.
According to The Nerd Stash, the message gained attention after a Secaucus resident shared it on Reddit. Gonnelli starts with a direct statement: “Whether we like it or not, data centers are here to stay.” He then makes the case for why they are “good for our Town,” but some people weren’t buying his argument.
That Didn’t Convince Everyone
Gonnelli argues that data centers have become a necessary part of everyday life. He compares them to grocery stores and gas stations, pointing to online banking, healthcare, shopping, video calls, and navigation. “Our lives have become digital,” he writes…