Residents press board on Goshen project safety, MOU and counsel ties as trustees demand written agreement before Phase 2

Multiple residents used public comment to question safety and transparency around the Goshen project and the related memorandum of understanding (MOU) with local fire providers, while project representatives described planned on-site emergency measures.

"We agreed to establish and fund the internal emergency fire response team… we currently have trained certified EMT and fire professionals on-site and on call 24/7," Andy Wheeler said, describing an internal fire-response brigade, shift coverage plans and a drafting process for an MOU with the township fire protection district. Wheeler said Phase 2 (cell production) is planned to begin in 2026 and that the MOU is being assembled and will be reviewed by counsel before execution.

Residents pressed Wheeler about after-hours coverage and who would be called in an emergency; Wheeler said alarms notify multiple responders and that security provides after-shift coverage. One resident asked whether containers are inspected when they arrive; Wheeler said shipments are compared to bills of lading when unpacked and that port authorities perform entry inspections.

Several public commenters directly challenged project counsel and raised national-security concerns. Anne Gates criticized counsel’s prior government ties and asserted those ties created a conflict: "Why should we trust him? We shouldn't," she said, and referenced congressional hearings and press reporting raising questions about land purchases and foreign actors. Bob Foresight also urged trustees to investigate potential security risks before the project advances.

In response to public concern and intermittent conflicting statements reported at prior meetings, multiple trustees said they will not proceed with Phase 2 until a written MOU addressing safety and responsibilities is presented. Trustee comments emphasized the need for a signed, written agreement rather than conversational assurances.

No board vote on the project occurred at the meeting; trustees directed that a written MOU be produced and confirmed in writing before moving forward with Phase 2.