Data Center Rumors Suppressed: Fair Lawn Clarifies Redevelopment Plans for Former Nabisco Site
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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Fair Lawn NJ, Reports suggesting that a massive digital data center is heading to Fair Lawn, NJ, are unfounded, according to Mayor Cristina Cutrone. Clarification came after marketing language included in an online listing for the former Nabisco property triggered widespread community concern.
“The site plan for the redevelopment of the former Nabisco property, as approved by Fair Lawn’s Planning Board, only authorizes the construction of a distribution warehouse,” stated Mayor Cutrone. “To be clear, those approvals do not authorize a data center at the property, and there are no pending applications.”
What Triggered Resident Concerns?
The speculation began when local real estate marketing for the Gateway North 208 development noted features such as high power availability and potential usage for data storage. Residents quickly voiced alarm over the prospect of high-density processing facilities, leading borough leadership to clarify the exact scope of the approved permits.
Municipal officials confirmed that the developer’s marketing materials have since been updated to accurately reflect the approved usage.
“The mayor and Borough Council have consistently stated that we have no interest in making Fair Lawn a destination for data centers,” Mayor Cutrone emphasized. “The Borough’s focus remains on responsible redevelopment that is consistent with the executed redevelopment agreement… and serves the interests of our residents.”
Understanding the Data Center Debate: Infrastructure vs. Community Impact
As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity rapidly expand, demand for digital infrastructure across the United States has reached record levels. Proponents highlight several key advantages of technology infrastructure investments:
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Tech & Construction Jobs: High-skill, high-wage employment during buildout and ongoing technical operations.
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Tax Revenue Growth: Significant expansion of municipal tax revenues without adding burden to local school districts.
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Grid Innovation: Next-generation data center designs increasingly feature microgrids, battery storage, and closed-loop water cooling systems to reduce environmental impact.
Despite these technological advancements, community pushback remains widespread. Over two dozen municipalities in New Jersey and surrounding states have proposed or enacted legislation to regulate, restrict, or outright ban new data center developments, citing energy demand, noise concerns, and land use preferences.
The Future of Fair Lawn’s Gateway North 208
For Fair Lawn residents, the official stance remains unchanged: the former Nabisco site will proceed strictly in accordance with its existing zoning and planning board approvals as a commercial distribution warehouse facility.
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Tags: Fair Lawn NJ, Bergen County, Local Government, Data Centers, Commercial Real Estate, New Jersey News, Zoning
See the article in NY Post today Aug 20. “Virginia Loving its Data Centers”. Loudoun County is getting a 30% property tax reduction due to the windfall of tax revenue from the data centers built there.