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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.
Residents and watchdogs urged more controls, disclosure and a pause on approvals. Monica Sealy (speaker 25) told council that Starwood and related investment entities have faced financial setbacks and litigation and argued that the county should not rush approvals: "This is why a thorough process and regulations are so important," she said, citing past lawsuits and what she described as an aggressive approval timeline. Joanne Gibbons (speaker 26) urged a moratorium on AI‑hyperscale data centers until job, tax and environmental data are transparent.
Dale Swain (speaker 23) of the Citizens Alliance for Responsible Land Use urged compromise and practical controls, saying data centers are likely to come but that the county should ensure "responsible" builds with safeguards. Matthew Amendola (speaker 21), an IBEW journeyman, praised aspects of substitute language in the draft ordinance related to noise, closed‑loop cooling and utility coordination and urged the council to add labor accountability measures tying workforce standards to approvals.
Council action and staff response: Council earlier in the meeting tabled Ordinance 25‑094 after land‑use consultations; multiple speakers referenced substitute language (substitute 2 to 25‑101) and a broader draft package that council members are refining. Council members acknowledged both the community’s concerns about environmental and health impacts and the potential economic case made by unions and developers. Several public commenters asked for more transparent technical presentations from developers and utility experts before decisions are finalized.
What remains: Council did not adopt a moratorium at this meeting but tabled at least one ordinance (25‑094) and left open additional committee‑level work and public engagement. Speakers on all sides asked the council to use permitting leverage — including noise limits, closed‑loop cooling requirements, labor standards and utility coordination — to address potential harms while maximizing any local employment benefits.
Quotable: "Starwood has already tried to rush the approval process by attempting to use the accelerated review process," Monica Sealy said. "We have more leverage than we realize. Starwood needs us." Joanne Gibbons urged a moratorium: "If you pass a moratorium, they have no choice. This is the leverage we gave you when we voted for you."
