Vineland City Council Regular Meeting - December 23, 2025

The Vineland City Council held a regular meeting on December 23, 2025. The meeting was dominated by an extensive public comment period concerning Resolution No. 2025-608, which approved a $6 million Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) loan to DataOne USA, LLC for construction equipment for an AI data center. Despite overwhelming public opposition and a lack of council discussion on the merits, the Council passed the resolution unanimously. The Council also adopted compensation ordinances, introduced several new ordinances, and approved a wide-ranging consent agenda.

Consent Calendar

• A consent agenda containing numerous resolutions was approved in a single unanimous vote with no discussion. This included budgets for the Department of Community Development and the Downtown Improvement District, collective bargaining agreements, change orders, tax cancellations, and contracts for vehicles and equipment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A significant majority of the meeting was dedicated to General Public Comment, with over 50 individuals speaking. The overwhelming majority strongly opposed Resolution No. 2025-608 and the DataOne data center project.
• Vineland Residents (Opposition): Dozens of residents voiced strong opposition. Common positions included:
  • Accusations of a "bait-and-switch" regarding the land use (originally presented as a public golf course).
  • Demands for a full, independent environmental impact study.
  • Concerns over water depletion from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer and threats to the local ecosystem and farming.
  • Fears of air pollution from backup generators, noise pollution, and increased strain on the local power grid.
  • Criticism of a $6 million loan and potential tax abatements for a private corporation, arguing public money shifts risk onto residents while profits go to the company.
  • Questions about lack of transparency and proper public notification; resident Samuel R. Conner submitted articles on AI bubble risks into the record.
• Out-of-Town and Organizational Speakers (Opposition):
  • Terry Reese (Congressional candidate): Asked council to table the loan until an independent cost-benefit analysis and binding community protections are established.
  • Kate Delaney (NJ Food and Water Watch): Opposed the loan, warning of increased living costs and climate harm.
  • Heidi Haag (Policy Director, Pinelands Alliance): Criticized the lack of community engagement and highlighted the regional threat to the aquifer.
  • Alexander Carfagno: Opposed, noting AI's purpose is to replace human labor and the lack of planning for displaced workers.
  • Russell Baruffi Jr. (Land developer, former Amazon employee): Called the project a "scam" based on his inside experience, stating that tech companies target vulnerable communities and oversell benefits.
• Labor Union Representatives: Bryan Halfin and Reverend Carl Styles (Laborers Local 77) asked the council to help local union members gain a seat at the table for the construction project to ensure fair and equitable wages.
• Speaker in Support: One speaker, Pat McGrory (Vineland), supported the project, comparing it to the progressive vision of the city's founder, Charles K. Landis, and framing it as a long-term investment.
• Solicitor's Address: Following public comment, City Solicitor Richard Tonetta clarified several points:
  • The land-use decision was made by the Planning Board, which is semi-autonomous from City Council.
  • There is no 20-year tax abatement; a 5-year PILOT is the standard tool, and one has not been applied for.
  • The water usage is approximately 20 million gallons per year in a closed-loop system, compared to 97 million for Corning.
  • The DEP allocates the city 17 billion gallons annually, against which the city had a surplus of 500 million gallons last year.
  • The loan is a standard UEZ loan processed through underwriting, yielding roughly $400,000 in interest for the city.
  • He stated a town hall meeting with DataOne is planned for January 2026.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2025-608 (DataOne Crane Loan): The item was presented and passed. There was no discussion from council members before the vote.
• Ordinances for Final Reading: Ordinance 2025-91 and 2025-92 were adopted. The official minutes record a 5-0 vote for Ordinance 2025-92, while the raw transcript indicates a 3-0 vote with two abstentions (Councilmember Vargas and Vice President Gomez).
• Ordinances for First Reading: Seven ordinances (2025-93 through 2025-99) were introduced on first reading. These include authorizing PILOT agreements, joint land acquisition for a youth sports facility, industrial property transfers, a zoning amendment denial, and a zoning amendment for an auto repair garage. Public hearings for all are scheduled for January 13, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2025-608 (DataOne Loan): Passed unanimously (5-0) , authorizing a $6,000,000+ UEZ loan for two construction cranes for DataOne USA, LLC.
• Council Appointments: Councilmember Dr. Elizabeth Arthur was appointed to the Planning Board (Class III), abstaining from the vote. Terry Andrus was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Miguel Mercado was ratified as the Public Agency Compliance Officer.
• Retirements: Recognitions for Fire Captain Carlos Mercado and Senior Account Clerk Paula Peale were approved. Recognitions for Officers Alan Pagnini and Alberto Rosario were moved to the January 13, 2026 meeting.
• Future Meeting: The next set of public hearings is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM. The City Solicitor announced DataOne intends to hold a town hall meeting in January 2026.