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Residents urge Pinelands Commission to block large data‑center and water‑intensive projects near Monroe
Summary
Multiple residents and conservation groups told the commission that a proposed redevelopment in Monroe Township (Hexa Builders) and later data‑center uses threaten wetlands, rare species habitat and regional water supplies; speakers cited beaver‑created wetlands and a proposed 1.4 million gallons/day withdrawal as grounds for denial or heightened review.
A string of public commenters at the Pinelands Commission’s PNI meeting urged the commission to apply CMP protections and closely scrutinize redevelopment proposals in Monroe and Jackson townships, saying a recent redevelopment amendment that added data‑center uses and a proposed 1,400,000‑gallons‑per‑day withdrawal could harm wetlands, wildlife corridors and long‑term water availability.
"The Pinelands is not merely land. It is a living inheritance and we are its temporary stewards," said Mark Visotsky, a Monroe Township resident, in public comment. He described wildlife he and his family observe near the property and urged the commission not to allow the proposed development.
Several speakers described the project as a "bait and switch" — originally framed as a golf course redevelopment and later amended to permit data centers. Fernanda Powers, speaking for herself and referencing CMP wetland protections, argued that active beaver ponds on Block 8401 expand wetland jurisdiction and trigger additional protections under CMP and cited relevant regulatory citations: "Beaver ponds are wetlands created and maintained in natural hydrology, and CMP requires the natural hydrology be preserved," she said, later adding that the presence of beaver wetlands can expand buffer requirements and federal permit jurisdiction.
Conservation speakers also highlighted the proposed water withdrawal. Emile Desiredo summarized community concern about a 1,400,000‑gallon‑per‑day request and put it in stark terms: "That's like a housing development with 17,000 people," he said, stressing the scale of the proposed demand on the watershed.
Speakers representing partnerships for plant conservation and local watershed associations pressed the commission to update protected plant lists, use the best available science and to coordinate with state agencies on data sharing. Several callers also complained about inadequate early municipal notification when redevelopment plans were amended, saying nearby residents only learned of changes months after decisions had been made.
Commission staff did not make any new approvals during the public comment period; instead staff recorded the comments and told speakers staff would follow up. Members of the public said they would file written comments and provide technical documentation to the commission.
