Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carneys Point committee introduces ordinance to ban data centers amid strong public opposition
Summary
Committee member Mrs. Martin introduced Ordinance 1093 to ban data centers in Carneys Point; the introduction passed on a split roll call and prompted extended public comment, including a petition of 651 signatures and claims about jobs, water use and transparency.
Mrs. Martin introduced Ordinance 1093 to prohibit data centers in Carneys Point, a measure she said would protect the township’s residential character. The committee recorded the roll-call for introduction: Mrs. Martin yes; Mr. Brown no; Mr. Martin abstained; Mayor Bomba no. The ordinance was therefore introduced but not adopted at first reading.
During public comment, multiple residents urged a ban and questioned whether warehouses and data centers benefit the community. Collin Longworth told the committee, "we now have 651 signatures on the Banning of the Data Center petition." Residents raised concerns about water and electric demand, robotics reducing jobs, and transparency in negotiations. Leon Daniels said the discussions "sound like back door deals for data centers," a claim Mr. Brown asked be supported with evidence.
The committee did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the meeting; Mrs. Martin said she favored a full ban and Mayor Bomba proposed forming a subcommittee to revise the draft. The next procedural step would be for the committee to schedule a public hearing and a formal adoption vote if they move forward.
