Edison Township Council Combined Work Session and Regular Meeting – October 14, 2026

The Edison Township Council held a combined work session and regular meeting on October 14, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. The agenda included a resolution recognizing National History Day students, introduction of an ordinance to prohibit data centers, approval of a consent calendar of resolutions, and extensive public comment focusing on Flock automated license plate reader cameras and data centers. The meeting was extended to 10:12 p.m.

National History Day Recognition

• The council unanimously adopted a resolution commending students from Woodrow Wilson Middle School and J.P. Stevens High School for their participation in the National History Day program. Council members and the public praised the students and their advisors.
• Public comment: Wendy Hurwitz (club founder) and Marissa Salah (teacher) thanked the council. John Tar (Cultural Arts Commission) commended the students.

Consent Calendar

• All resolutions listed on the agenda were approved in a block vote, except Resolution 520 which was pulled for a separate roll call vote. The consent calendar included:
  • Resolution 521: Five‑year renewal of Verizon wireless services (state contract; amount not stated).
  • Resolution 523: $5,518,000 for road paving (funded from a previously bonded $7 million; came under budget).
  • Resolution 524: $1,000,000 for Town Hall parking lot improvements.
  • Resolution 535: Exact‑dollar change order for contract design resources.
  • Resolution 522: Renewal of grant‑consulting services with Millennium Strategies.
  • Resolution 520 was approved separately: Authorizing settlement with JVS for the Glendale property, including a land swap and a $50,000 payment to the township. Adopted 6–0–1 (Council Vice President Kentos abstained).

Discussion Items

• Data Center Ordinance: Council debated an ordinance (2289‑2026) to amend Chapter 37 (Zoning) to designate data centers as prohibited uses in all zones. Council President Coyle and Council Vice President Kentos expressed reservations about a complete ban, preferring strict regulations. Councilman Brescher and Councilman Petil strongly supported the ban, citing concerns about utility costs, environmental impact, and quality of life. Councilman Schmuel noted the importance of ratable revenue but acknowledged current zoning already prohibits data centers. The ordinance was introduced on first reading (7‑0), with a public hearing set for October 26, 2026.
• JVS Glendale Settlement: Council members questioned the acreage and land swap details. Councilman Brescher requested a meeting with the township attorney to review the property maps before the final vote. The Business Administrator and attorney confirmed the settlement includes a recorded map and deed.
• Verizon Wireless Contract: Councilman Brescher asked the administration to explore competitive options, noting state‑contract pricing may not be the lowest.
• Police Vehicle Purchase: The council discussed purchasing one Ford Police Interceptor; Councilman Brescher suggested evaluating hybrid or electric vehicles for future fleet use. The Business Administrator noted lifecycle analyses have favored conventional vehicles for traffic units.
• Flock Cameras: While the contract had already been approved, several council members and the public debated the expansion. Council President Coyle offered to form a committee to further discuss concerns about privacy, data retention, and oversight.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Data Centers – Opposition: A large majority of speakers supported the ban. Samita (J.P. Stevens student) warned about environmental harm and the impact of AI on learning; Walt Stoshel called for a complete ban with no loopholes; John Shu contrasted large‑scale AI data centers with existing facilities; others cited water and electricity usage.
• Data Centers – Cautious: Anthony T. Ameron urged more thorough study and pointed to Loudoun County (VA) as an example where data centers coexist with strong tax bases.
• Flock Cameras – Opposition: Numerous residents spoke against the expansion. John Shu raised Fourth Amendment and misuse concerns; Gabriel Franco urged a public vote; Patrice Swerbrick asked for crime data before proceeding; Laura Ramirez, Liana Liu, Lawrence Liu, Amon, Jordan White, Adair Dick, and others cited privacy, profiling, AI inaccuracies, and data sharing with external agencies. Many called for rescission or a public ballot. No residents spoke in favor of the expansion during the meeting.
• Other Topics:
  • Trisha Lensis: Reported dangerous street parking on Nevsky Street during mosque services; requested no‑parking signs. Administration will evaluate through the traffic unit.
  • Gudrender Dhamija: Questioned the $1 million parking lot project and suggested direct tax relief for seniors.
  • Elizabeth Conway: Criticized the voting process on the Care One zoning application (approved after closed‑door negotiation) and noted the lack of women on the zoning board.
  • Neil Jareth: Described the Care One board’s reversal under a revised settlement; asked the council to consider an appeal.
  • Dr. Mali Him Mohammed Poor: Requested animal‑crossing signs, lower speed limits, and traffic calming, especially near parks.
  • McKenna Lundy: Raised commercial truck traffic and speeding on Vineyard Road.
  • Sarah Nasser: Reported on the successful Friends of the Library 5K run on October 11, thanking the council for support.
  • Walt Stoshel: Commented on federal and state budget impacts, health‑care costs, tariffs, and the need for electric‑vehicle fleet conversion.
  • Several residents asked for sidewalks, better road maintenance, and community input on major decisions.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution of Recognition adopted unanimously.
• Data Center Ordinance introduced (7‑0); public hearing set for October 26, 2026.
• Consent Agenda approved (all but 520); Resolution 520 adopted 6‑0‑1.
• Flock Cameras: Council President committed to establishing a committee to address resident concerns; no vote taken at this meeting.
• Care One Zoning Decision: Council acknowledged the statutory appeal process but declined to take a position; the public was advised to follow proper legal procedure.
• Traffic Safety: Requests for stop signs on Safran Avenue, parking restrictions on Nevsky Street, and truck enforcement on Vineyard Road will be reviewed by the traffic unit and public works.
• Next Meetings: Data center public hearing, October 26, 2026; potential committee on Flock cameras to be scheduled; follow‑up meeting on JVS property maps for council members.