Need help finding out more about data center at 4101 W Maple Ave-- similar to Mt Royal data center
Hello, all. I've been doing some research into a collocation and data storage facility managed by Cogent Communications at 4101 W Maple Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ. That address is at Block 5204, Lot 2.
This is the most similar redevelopment project I could find to the proposed site in Mt Royal. I hope that by finding out more about this building, we can anticipate and counter arguments that will be made by whatever parties are trying to put up the facility in Mt Royal.
Here is what I know so far about the history of the building's becoming a collocation center:
- 4101 W Maple Ave was previously a switchboard facility for telephone communications
- May 2023: Cogent acquires entire fiber network of Sprint/T-Mobile, including assets like the building at 4101 W Maple Ave
- The original switchboard equipment in the facility was removed and replaced with equipment pertinent to a data collocation facility
I surveyed the outside perimeter of the building and found the following next to the radiator set on the corner of 130:
- a secondary transformer labeled W004932 2000 KVA PRI 4KV/13KV SEC 480Y/277 5.77ZZ
I think this secondary transformer can power something like 600 homes. Ambient noise about 40ft from this generator and radiator is about 68dBA according to my cellphone mic. The generator and radiator are located next to highway 130, which was lightly trafficked at the time of recording.
I also found the following on Maple Ave, next to the original radio antenna, on a building that appears to house a refrigerant system and additional generator, that building is labeled 4203:
- 3 Bard R410As. These are refrigeration units
- Some other HVAC-looking unit with serial number 325C193637153-01
- a Cummins Power diesel generator labeled Genset#01
- A diesel tank underneath the generator
- A diesel spill cleanup kit
I think this is just the refrigeration facility.
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I put in OPRA request for records related to this building last week: https://pennsaukentownshipnj.nextrequest.com/requests/26-147
Based on the acquisition history provided by Cogent, it makes sense that no redevelopment project would be available for this project. Though, in 2025, Cogent put in an application for this building to have its refrigeration system upgraded, which was fulfilled. I have not filed an OPRA request for those documents yet.
Anyone who is willing to participate in citizen science regarding this building, please let me know. I'm certain there are records that we can acquire for this building. I would also like others who know more about the parts I described to provide advice.
The town of Pennsauken is highly cooperative with OPRA requests and responded to me within a single business day. Please remember to thank county clerk's office staff for their hard work.