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Heated public comment on proposed hyperscale data centers; residents call for moratorium while unions tout jobs
Summary
A lengthy public-comment block centered on proposed hyperscale data centers (Project Washington/Starwood). Residents urged a moratorium, transparency on developer finances and stricter environmental controls; union speakers urged jobs and training. Council tabled at least one related ordinance pending further work.
A long public‑comment period at New Castle County’s Dec. 9 meeting focused on proposed hyperscale data centers, including a private‑equity developer identified in the record as Starwood Digital Ventures and a project referred to in testimony as "Project Washington."
Speakers were sharply divided. Several union representatives argued the project would deliver jobs and economic benefits: Eddie Lesniak (speaker 24), vice president of IBEW Local 313, urged council to "move this thing forward" and said the construction and long‑term maintenance would provide substantial work for union electricians and other trades. Chris Panico (speaker 10), another union representative and vocational‑school instructor, said the project would create jobs across trades and support workforce development.
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