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Residents press for detail on Bellmawr waterfront redevelopment; officials say construction could begin within months, deny data-center claims
Summary
Residents asked for clarity about a long-discussed waterfront redevelopment project; council and redevelopment-authority members said final items remain pending but that construction work is expected to start within roughly 60–90 days to six months and denied rumors that an AI data center will be built.
Residents at the Bellmawr Borough Council meeting pressed officials for a clearer timeline and details about the waterfront redevelopment project, and council members said the project is moving toward construction in the near term while disputing inaccurate rumors about its use.
During an extended public exchange a resident said the redevelopment has been discussed for years and asked whether there would be another special meeting for residents if construction is about to begin. A council member and redevelopment authority representatives cautioned that past announcements about the site had not always produced results, but said the authority is now working with a contractor and that there remains a pending item to finalize. One council member said the expectation is that construction "should" begin within six months and that the council should know more within 60–90 days.
Officials disputed social-media speculation that an AI data center was planned. "Absolutely no data center," a council representative said, and a redevelopment official repeated that denial. Council leaders described the likely uses as logistics and warehousing rather than a data center and said the developers agreed to fund a new direct-connect road to Route 42 to handle southbound traffic from the site; that road would be dedicated to the state and not a borough maintenance obligation, they said. "All the land's been acquired. The developers agreed to fund it. It's not gonna cost the township any money to do it," a borough official said.
Officials said traffic impacts were part of planning and that the borough will communicate updates to residents. They emphasized that redevelopment ordinances and planning-board hearings were previously held and that current scheduling and a redevelopment agreement remain in process. Residents asked for timely public notice if construction begins so they can be fully informed; officials said they will share information as developments are finalized.
