Millville moves to ban data centers amid heated public comments; approves CRP timeline changes and $400,000 redevelopment bond

The Millville City Commission on April 7 advanced city review of a proposed ordinance to prohibit data centers and approved adjustments to the CRP redevelopment agreement, including a $400,000 non-recourse redevelopment bond tied to the CRP site closing expected April 15.

Mayor Dixon opened the meeting by telling residents the commission had been “very consistent in our … wanting to prohibit data centers” and invited public comment. The public-session record shows intense, often emotional testimony on both sides: residents spoke of water, noise and health concerns while others warned a blanket ban could chill economic development and invite legal challenges.

“’I did not see any specific language about new construction,’” said Adele Faust, who asked whether the proposed ordinance would cover newly built facilities as well as existing structures. Tamara Davis raised detailed questions about the CRP amendment and the timing and mechanics of the pilot and bond tied to the Nabb Avenue work, asking whether pilot payments and phase-two power needs were addressed in the amended agreement.

Opponents of the ban included longtime resident Tom McGinty, who said a broad prohibition risked lawsuits and would block potential jobs and ratables. “You are effectively hamstringing the city from lucrative, clean, high‑tech economic opportunities,” McGinty said. Paul Porreca, a local real-estate broker, urged the commission to consider conditional-use controls—noise, water and other mitigation—instead of an outright exclusion.

Supporters described data centers as heavy water and energy users with limited local hiring. Jonas Samopolis, 17, cited examples he said showed some large facilities can consume millions of gallons of water daily and affect neighborhood infrastructure. Beth Nuchant and others framed the proposal as stewardship of community health and environment.

On formal business the commission unanimously approved Resolution 8, authorizing a first amendment to the redevelopment and purchase-and-sale agreement with CRP Development Urban Renewal LLC to adjust project timelines; the mayor said closing on the parcel is expected April 15. The body also approved Resolution 9, authorizing issuance of non-recourse redevelopment-area bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $400,000; council members voted yes in roll-call votes.

Mayor Dixon and other commissioners repeatedly urged residents to consult the work‑session materials and the planning-board presentation for technical detail. The ordinance amending chapter 30 (land use and development regulations) was sent to the planning board for review under Resolution 11; commissioners said the board has the 35 days allotted by law to submit recommendations.

The council emphasized the difference between discussion and formal regulatory steps: several residents urged postponement until more technical answers—on water, electrical capacity for later phases, road improvements on Nabb Avenue, and pilot-payment accounting—are publicly addressed. Commissioners said staff and outside counsel (named during the meeting) are available to answer detailed legal and engineering questions at the planning‑board session and in follow‑up work sessions.

Next steps: the land-use changes will be reviewed by the planning board; CRP’s amended timeline and the close on the property were announced publicly; and the authorized $400,000 in redevelopment-area bonds becomes part of the project financing record. The planning-board meeting on the project was noted in public comment as scheduled for May 28.

The commission concluded the meeting with routine business and adjourned after unanimous roll-call votes on the agenda’s consent and resolution items.