WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=IR0eg8P8Mbo

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:20.000
like to bring the Monday, July 6, 2026, Township of Hamilton Committee meeting to order. Please rise for the flag salute. >> Aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,

2
00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:35.680
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided pursuant to the New Jersey open public meetings law by posting a notice of this meeting on the bulletin board in the municipal building and by transmitting notice of this meeting to

3
00:00:35.680 --> 00:00:50.960
the press of Atlantic City Star Ledger and Atlantic County Record on January 6, 2026. Mr. Aken >> here, >> Mr. Cheek here. >> Miss Thompson here. >> Dr. Witherspoon here. Mayor Patali >> here. We have a moment of silence for

4
00:00:50.960 --> 00:01:18.560
private reflection, please. Thank you. Uh, no guest presentations. We have no addition or deletion of late agenda items. We have no discussions. So, we'll go

5
00:01:18.560 --> 00:01:35.600
right to public hearing, adoption of ordinances. were a ordinance 2139-2026 an amended ordinance of the township of Hamilton amending chapter >> mayor just for the record no one signed up for early public comment

6
00:01:35.600 --> 00:01:52.000
>> thank you good job thank you >> ordinance 2139-2026 an amended ordinance of the township of Hamilton amending chapter 203 titled land use and development of the code of the township of Hamilton regarding

7
00:01:52.000 --> 00:02:10.239
data centers. This is a public hearing. If anybody from the public wishes to speak >> motion to close second >> I have a motion in a second. All those in favor? >> Eyes have it.

8
00:02:10.239 --> 00:02:28.239
>> It's your pleasure. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. Any questions, comments? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Pat,

9
00:02:28.239 --> 00:02:44.239
>> yes. >> Yes. >> 4B, ordinance 2140-2026, an ordinance authorizing pilot agreement between the township of Hamilton and Amazon.com.

10
00:02:44.239 --> 00:03:01.760
This is a public hearing. Anybody from the public wish to speak? Mike, >> come down to the microphone, please. >> Mike Cenzio, I reside in the township of Tinum, Delaware County. Um, so thank you, Mayor Patell and the members of the

11
00:03:01.760 --> 00:03:18.480
township committee. Uh, my name is Michael Christensenio. I'm an organizer with Teamsters Joint Council 53. Joint Council 53 represents over 52,000 members in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, including 241 members in Hamilton Township itself. As both

12
00:03:18.480 --> 00:03:34.159
residents and workers, Teamsters want businesses to be both good employers and good neighbors. Earlier today, Teamster Joint Council President William Hamilton emailed a letter to you regarding a payment in lie of taxes or pilot agreement for this project. I did bring

13
00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:49.680
copies with me in case you haven't had a chance to read. The letter urges the committee to include in the pilot agreement some sensible measures to hold Amazon accountable given the public property tax incentives it will receive. These measures include defining the

14
00:03:49.680 --> 00:04:05.200
project as an employment generating economically beneficial operation, reporting requirements on the number of full-time jobs created, local hiring and workforce demographics, employee turnover rates, workforce injury rates,

15
00:04:05.200 --> 00:04:20.720
and mass layoffs consistent with the Warren Act requirements. a guarantee that the facility will continue in its intended use and not be abandoned, seized, or converted to a different use. Lastly, a provision allowing the pilot

16
00:04:20.720 --> 00:04:36.240
agreement to be reviewed, modified, or terminated if turnover or workplace safety metrics substantially exceed industry averages over a sustained period of time. These measures would make these measures would make sense for any development receiving public

17
00:04:36.240 --> 00:04:51.600
subsidies, but are especially warranted in the cases of Amazon projects. I've spent 17 years as a teamster truck driver for a family-owned company named Pen Jersey Paper. Um, and I've supplied Atlantic City with casinos, hotels,

18
00:04:51.600 --> 00:05:08.479
schools, and other local businesses. During that time, I've seen Amazon's presence erode quality and standards in trucking, logistics, package delivery industries, and creating subpar wages and unsafe working conditions and characterized by high turnover.

19
00:05:08.479 --> 00:05:24.320
Therefore, if Hamilton Township is going to subsidize Amazon, it should require they should be required to meet the high standards and create 750 good jobs rather than poor quality jobs that typify Amazon's workforce. These

20
00:05:24.320 --> 00:05:39.280
accountability measures are also needed because there are at least two instances of Amazon receiving property tax subsidies in Long Island of the promise um of jobs and failing to fulfill these commitments. In August of 22, the Nassau

21
00:05:39.280 --> 00:05:55.759
County IDA voted to end its 15-year pilot agreement with Amazon to build a facility in Soyet because it decided not to fulfill its commitment to create 150 jobs there. In May of 22, developer Hertz Mountain asked the Suffach County

22
00:05:55.759 --> 00:06:11.360
Industrial Development Agency or IDA to terminate its 20-year tax incentives deal because Amazon could not fulfill its commitment to create 175 jobs at a facility in Mel. Finally, these measures are needed to make sure that Amazon

23
00:06:11.360 --> 00:06:26.800
actually creates 750 good jobs. That was the figure that they cited when announcing this project last year. Since then, the project went from 3 million square feet to 1 million square feet and now include large robotics and

24
00:06:26.800 --> 00:06:44.080
automation features. Given this, it is hard to imagine how a new project could still generate the same number of jobs in the earlier version, which was at least three times larger. For these reasons, the Teamsters Union believes that it makes sense for the township to adopt the recommend the recommended

25
00:06:44.080 --> 00:07:11.120
measures to make sure that Amazon is held accountable to what they have represented. I thank the committee for the time. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Hello, my name is Raone Mora uh Junior. I am from Violin, uh resident of Violin.

26
00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:27.360
Um last time I stood up here before you, I told you, uh what was happening in Carne Point in Logan Township where I've attended city council meetings. Um I kind of am on board with the Teamster representative who just spoke. Um over

27
00:07:27.360 --> 00:07:43.599
there the mayor pretty much was uh gloating that a lot of their jobs that came in uh originally into their city have been uh taken out because of the increase in robotics. Uh we've been

28
00:07:43.599 --> 00:08:01.039
seeing Amazon 2024 I believe political uh reported that they laid off like 150,000 jobs. Last year it was about 100,000 as of October. Um, I would implore you, uh, with the warnings of what's happening in Carne Point and Logan Township where they're eroding

29
00:08:01.039 --> 00:08:15.759
some of their worker base and replacing them with AI robotics to also have measures in this pilot agreement or any type of agreement with Amazon that protects jobs to make sure that they're actually going to have these jobs and to make sure they're going to be good paying jobs, not like subpar jobs.

30
00:08:15.759 --> 00:08:45.600
That's it. Thank you. Hello, Hamilton Township Council. My name is Justin Roy, also from Vineland. Um, shout out to the Teamsters. I've been on the pick a line with Teamsters in Philadelphia uh many occasions, solidarity forever. And I also urge you to listen to their warnings. And I'll

31
00:08:45.600 --> 00:09:01.440
also give you the perspective of a young person when you're thinking about bringing jobs to your township and how much land you're given for how much jobs you're going to be getting out of this. Are these going to be jobs that your young people can afford buying homes with, that they can afford mortgages with, afford rent with, afford groceries with, or are they going to be another,

32
00:09:01.440 --> 00:09:18.560
you know, your jobs like McDonald's, your jobs like Walmart that are not paying people uh enough to scrape by, to move out of their parents house, to become taxpayers in the community, to grow the community's economic base. You need careers. You need to think in terms of careers, not just jobs. Careers like

33
00:09:18.560 --> 00:09:34.320
a lot of teamsters have, one of the few opportunities uh to scrape by to a middle class existence in the tough e economic situation that is 2026. Uh the out for young people, it's incredibly bleak right now. I don't know how many

34
00:09:34.320 --> 00:09:50.880
of you have kids, how many of you know intimately the struggles economically that uh our generation's facing, but here in South Jersey in these poor economically depressed areas, for me the solution was I had to go college somewhere else, try and make a living somewhere else. I came back to South

35
00:09:50.880 --> 00:10:05.519
Jersey because I like it here. I want to try and make it better. But we're suffering from problems like brain drain. We're suffering from losing the bluecollar jobs that were staples of this area. It's hard to make a business. It's hard to do anything. So, if we're going to be giving up uh this historic

36
00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:22.240
site and again, so much acreage for how much are we really getting out of it? 750 jobs, a parcel half the size used to employ about a thousand people in your average factory. So, again, just think about the trade-offs. I think you guys seem to actually do have the best interest in your heart. It's not like

37
00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:56.560
Vinand where our city council president threatened to sue us for merely criticizing him. So, again, think about that as you're making these decisions. THANK YOU. ANYBODY ELSE? >> Good evening. My name is Keith Prince. I live on Paddock Street. Uh I have a lot

38
00:10:56.560 --> 00:11:13.760
of people that live on Paddock Street and it came out tonight. Uh our concern is how that's going to adversely affect our neighborhood. Our Paddock Street doesn't have street uh lights. Um we have overgrowth, so it's considered a

39
00:11:13.760 --> 00:11:30.800
more of a natural uh pass through. Uh Bob Bair who was very involved in our town and protecting our neighborhoods uh made sure that it kept that way. Uh we have a lot of wildlife. I I have 10 acres, a little bit more my whole front

40
00:11:30.800 --> 00:11:48.640
yard. Uh I have deer, I have turtles, frogs, everything else. That's why I chose to live there. I have ponds that the wildlife comes and drinks off of. And I believe that this project will adversely affect it. I also believe that

41
00:11:48.640 --> 00:12:04.880
uh we'll get a lot of light pollution. Um I'm concerned with the amount of trucks that'll be coming and going down Paddock Street or potentially going down Paddock Street. I think it'll uh adversely affect our entire community. As far as that's concerned, I don't

42
00:12:04.880 --> 00:12:21.279
think that Amazon's going to bring enough value to our community as compared to what we have in our natural resources. Once we give them up, we're done. We also have flooding on Cologne. We have flooding on Fleet Zig. Uh that's going to be another problem when you

43
00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:38.480
have all the rain. And everybody in my neighborhood is well in septic. So when you get the runoff, where are you going to retain it? you're going to have issues with mosquitoes unless you, you know, work on that problem which then has a problem with groundwater contamination which will affect our

44
00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:55.040
ability to have good quality drinking water which uh, you know, we have to protect the co-ancy aquifer. Uh, we are very blessed to live in South Jersey where we have clean drinking water and we have wide open spaces and that's one of the things that brought me to Hamilton Township, not to mention the

45
00:12:55.040 --> 00:13:11.600
the type of people that are involved in our township. So, I'd like you to seriously consider the impact that it'll happen in our communities. When I went around and talked to people in the Woodlands, talked to people in our neighborhood, they really they they're always used to hearing things possibly

46
00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:42.959
going on. Uh they don't think Amazon's going to be a good partner for our township. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Anybody else? >> Uh, my name is Mana. Hello everyone. I don't really have anything um

47
00:13:42.959 --> 00:13:58.800
written down. I just have a couple things I I want people to think about. Um, I have lived in Melanding for well over 20 years. I own um I live in Oakrest Estates which is um you know close enough to this facility but I also

48
00:13:58.800 --> 00:14:14.240
um work in Vinland so I'm well aware of the switching bait that happened there and I'm very concerned with the person who you know Amazon and the leader that is coming in um that the same will

49
00:14:14.240 --> 00:14:30.639
happen here and the one thing that I I need to know and I'm sure everyone else. Well, I can't speak for everybody else, but the people who I've spoken to um want to see is that there is preventative language

50
00:14:30.639 --> 00:14:47.360
in this agreement before anything before stone is touched. Um so beyond, you know, agreeing with the fact that is it going to bring jobs in what kind of jobs? Uh beyond the fact that oh well, we're getting something there. It's better than having nothing there. Not

51
00:14:47.360 --> 00:15:02.800
always, right? Not if they're going to turn it into a data center. Not if they're going to sell a piece of it out to a third party, so it's not them doing it, but somebody else did it into a data center. So, I hear that, oh, it's not going to be that. Let's stop talking

52
00:15:02.800 --> 00:15:19.680
about it. But then I I look at and listen to the things that uh friends of mine and Vin, my students in Vin have said to me that live there in that data center. I don't want it here. We don't need it here. Right? So, I would like to

53
00:15:19.680 --> 00:15:37.440
see and and hopefully this is already in the works because you guys are, you know, the ones that are ahead of this language in this um agreement before anything even happens that ties to the deed that this will not become a data

54
00:15:37.440 --> 00:15:54.560
center. No parts of it will become a data center. If you sell it, it's not going to become a data center. You abandon it, it's not going to become a data center. I would also think that there should be some type of utility cap that is going in there that prevents them from driving

55
00:15:54.560 --> 00:16:10.160
up our utilities and from sucking up everything that we have here, right? Um, one other thing is that pilot program where they're not paying any taxes, which is crazy work, that if they do

56
00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:25.759
violate any of these clauses, they turn any of it into a data center. If they don't, you know, bring out 700 highquality jobs, then you go and pay the taxes, right? So, these are asurances that I'm sure would go a long

57
00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:39.600
way with people because we don't want data centers here. They they bring no benefit and if they did, then the people who were paying to have them built here, they put them in their neighborhoods, not ours. So, as someone who lives near

58
00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:57.880
that racetrack, I I want to see language in the agreement before a stone is touched that blocks them in every way from turning any part of it into a data center. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you.

59
00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:23.360
>> Yes. My name is Art Shanker. I live the 608 Whispering Woods Court for a few years here. I was on Township Committee. It's also the mayor for five years. I've been involved with this Amazon deal for almost two years. So, let me explain some things. I want to clear things up and I don't Is it all

60
00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:40.720
right if I address I don't want >> No, you need to address us. >> So, basically, this cannot be a data center. Period. End of story. It's not going to be a data center. Um I work for an engineering firm right now. We build data centers. It is not the same

61
00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:55.679
company. Amazon who delivers your packages is Amazon who delivers your packages. AWS is data centers. Yes, they're building a lot of them. They're building a lot of them and they are selling space to a lot of them. Yes, I also worked on the one

62
00:17:55.679 --> 00:18:12.799
in Vinand by the way, which God bless you people there. That's a mess. But that's a whole another's topic. Amazon is committed to do what they're going to do. They're going to continue to do what they're going to do. They have no intention. Uh I speak with them as long as well as the mayor. I speak with them

63
00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:29.919
all the time. There is no there's never been a mention of data center until this hit Facebook. And maybe that's part of the problem because Facebook tends to create worry for people. This is going to be exactly what they say it's going to be and it's

64
00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:47.039
going to be, you know, I heard some issues from some folks about Paddock. Uh we've had promises from Amazon that they are going to hold true to their traffic plan which has been designed by the county and Amazon and our municipality. So, anything that becomes a problem

65
00:18:47.039 --> 00:19:07.039
after the fact, they've they've told us that they will uh take care of it. So, Okay, it's funny. It's going to pump a lot of money into this town who's been suffering for a lot of years. >> The the Hamilton Mall has cost this town

66
00:19:07.039 --> 00:19:36.320
a tremendous amount of money. Almost $2 million in revenue is left because of the Hamilton Mall. Um, greetings everyone. My name is Megan Beyond. Hello. I am a member of Empathy United. We are Indivisible's Atlantic

67
00:19:36.320 --> 00:19:53.080
City chapter. I first want to acknowledge that as a working class, we cannot trust a trillion dollar company with OUR WELL-BEING. WE cannot we cannot

68
00:19:53.200 --> 00:20:10.080
had to make that clear. All right. So, I'm coming here to express concern about the concept of Amazon buying this horse track. I also want to make it clear that I and my community members condemn the 29-year pilot agreement that is being proposed. Um, it simply cannot be

69
00:20:10.080 --> 00:20:25.039
approved. It's 29 years. I don't even know if I'm going to be alive in 29 years, you know. um it needs to be delayed for further con reconsidering of that. Um also I want to let you know that our organization posted an infographic on

70
00:20:25.039 --> 00:20:42.400
this Amazon issue for Hamilton Township and we posted it less than 12 hours ago and it has already had over 22,000 views. So this issue is bigger than just the people in this room. Uh, moving on from that, we have to acknowledge that Amazon has a market capitalization of

71
00:20:42.400 --> 00:21:00.000
over $2.5 trillion. Its owner, Jeff Bezos, has an estimated net net worth of $253 billion. Before you say this warehouse is going to bring jobs, Amazon's goal is literally for it to be as automated as

72
00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:16.320
possible. Their interest is not in us. It's just not. And who's to say that they're not going to, okay, hire 700 people and then lay us all off? We don't know that. We cannot trust them. So, we also have to acknowledge that

73
00:21:16.320 --> 00:21:33.360
Amazon currently has multiple lawsuits against it by its its workers for things such as discrimination, hazardous working conditions, wage and onboarding violations. It's not a good place to work, and that's unacceptable considering the amount of resources that

74
00:21:33.360 --> 00:21:48.240
they have at their disposal. Um, also to we should be focusing on small businesses. The purpose of pilots is to uplift small businesses. This is not Amazon's not it. Um, moving forward

75
00:21:48.240 --> 00:22:06.320
from that, I urge you guys to reconsider and to tread very carefully when working with billion dollar trillion dollar corporations. Again, I don't even know. I don't know if you guys will be alive in 29 years. This is for the next generation. We are

76
00:22:06.320 --> 00:22:23.120
supposed to be stewards of this earth and um one of the community members was speaking about like the issues for the environment like what this project's going to do for that. We don't know what they're going to do to our resources, to our water, to our wildlife, to our infrastructure. Like being hyper

77
00:22:23.120 --> 00:22:39.360
critical is crucial in this time. Um so again, and also bringing this up. Um okay, going quickly. Um, in this pilot, Amazon will get out of paying millions of dollars of taxes into Atlanta County and public schools. Just this year,

78
00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:55.840
school districts across Atlanta County have been forced to lay off teachers and staff because of federal budget cuts. So, if this deal with Amazon is happening, we should be capitalizing for the benefit of the public. There should be no tax cuts. Let's run them dry. Like, make

79
00:22:55.840 --> 00:23:11.919
them do what we want them to do. if they want that warehouse, we should be telling them, setting firm grounds of you will be helping the public. Um, so to my city council members, I urge you to consider this. Do we even

80
00:23:11.919 --> 00:23:27.760
need Amazon there? We don't even need them. Is this deal finalized? Do we have to do this? We could there is a housing crisis in Atlanta County. We could convert those into houses. We could do anything with that space besides let this Jeff Bezos in here in Atlanta

81
00:23:27.760 --> 00:23:51.880
County. So thank you. That is all I I urge you to reconsider and to be very mindful of how it's proceeded going forward. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else?

82
00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:15.600
Hi, my name is Dan Watson. I'm at 4601 Paddic. So, I'm probably one of the closest ones here to the proposed Amazon um warehouse, if that's what we're calling it. Um to the previous gentleman's point about trusting Amazon, I think they're about as trustworthy as their scheduling

83
00:24:15.600 --> 00:24:30.960
of packages that never show up on time. So, if that's any way that they run their business, like we're in a lot of trouble here. Um, we've talked about some of the other pollutions, but sound pollution is a huge one, especially for me. We bought that property to kind of

84
00:24:30.960 --> 00:24:45.919
rehab it. We found out two years ago almost that Amazon was coming, so we put all of our plans on hold. Um, which sounds like it might be a good idea because we can't bring back animals. We can't have a horse. We can't have anything that used to be part of that

85
00:24:45.919 --> 00:25:01.360
property. There's a 9,000 foot barn that is going to get torn down now because I can't have horses there if I've got tractor trailers constantly. I've got the beeping 247. Um I'm not really sure. I haven't been that involved in this if a sound study

86
00:25:01.360 --> 00:25:17.600
has been done. Uh I know another traffic study was just done because they put it on my property. So interested to see how that comes out. um the wildlife push when they did that huge development on the other side of the airport. The amount of wildlife that we saw come

87
00:25:17.600 --> 00:25:32.720
towards our property within a month or two of that. It was an obvious trigger that they demolished an entire section of woodlands. Fox show up, coyotes show up, deer show up, and they're all getting hit by cars on on Lipick. I'm cleaning up debris constantly. We're

88
00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:47.760
seeing coyotes that we never saw. We've got fox with mange coming from who knows where that are now potentially going to infect our animals because of it. So there's a lot of wildlife on that property that's going to get pushed out into these neighborhoods and it's going

89
00:25:47.760 --> 00:26:14.960
to cause a lot of problems to the woodlands to paddic to all the streets around because where are they going to go? Thank you. Anybody else? >> Make a motion to close. >> Have a motion. I have a second.

90
00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:34.080
>> All those in favor? >> I against. >> Okay. What's your pleasure? >> I'll make the motion. a second. I have a motion in a second,

91
00:26:34.080 --> 00:26:53.919
comments, questions. Okay, I guess I'll uh >> you shoot first. >> Yeah, make me shoot first. There we go. So, a lot was just said, so I'd like to make a couple statements about

92
00:26:53.919 --> 00:27:09.039
the questions, comments that the public has made. data center. The redevelopment agreement, the financial agreement is for a

93
00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:25.200
fulfillment center. Stop. Period. That's it. The second, if they were to change anything, if they decided they wanted to make it a horse barn, then the redevelopment agreement is null and void. The financial agreement is null

94
00:27:25.200 --> 00:27:42.559
and void. It doesn't matter what they want to try to change it to, they can't. They'll lose the agreement. Um, we just passed an ordinance about data centers. No data centers as of right now while we

95
00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:58.799
do our due diligence to learn about the data centers, to learn the positives, the negatives, whatever. So that we whatever ordinance we make that deals with data centers can be foolproof that it can't be somebody can't come in and

96
00:27:58.799 --> 00:28:17.039
argue it and sue us and we end up losing and they can build a data center or vice versa. um they can stop a dinosa from being built being built because we have to do our due diligence and make sure that our

97
00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:34.720
ordinance is going to stand. And um the plan is to do that before the end of the year to have a a new ordinance done that has everything we need, whatever adjustments we have to make to our um municipal laws, whatever. That's that's

98
00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:50.000
the plan with that. That's why we did that. Um, jobs. We'll talk about jobs. It's in the redevelopment agreement, correct? 750 full-time jobs, 300

99
00:28:50.000 --> 00:29:08.880
temporary construction jobs. The racetrack in its prime years ago at the most had somewhere between 100 and 200 full-time jobs in its prime.

100
00:29:08.880 --> 00:29:27.120
During their busy time, racing season, it would go up 4 to 500 more part-time jobs. So, this one building that's not even taken up the entire site is going to have more jobs than what that racetrack provided. So I my opinion

101
00:29:27.120 --> 00:29:44.000
that's a good deal. We'll get 750 jobs. Yes. Not going to disagree that down the road there may be whatever they do with technology jobs

102
00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:59.360
may drop some. But I am going to say that that looking at this building a warehouse I want a company that is solid that is not going to disappear in a couple of years and I

103
00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:15.279
think this is our best bet for that. Um also um when it comes to the taxes, so there is the pilot. The reason why that exists, that's a state law

104
00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:31.200
to get businesses to come in, developers to come in and redevelop a site that is distressed, that needs work to get it to a point where you could even build something there. So, they have to demo what's

105
00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:48.399
there. They have to clean up the site. They have to also do off-site improvements, which are um roadway improvements on Leap Zigg. That's all going to be taken care of by them. Um

106
00:30:48.399 --> 00:31:08.640
there are utilities on that site that have to be moved, that have to be um adjusted. They have to do all to do all that. You have to give them a break to come in and do all that work

107
00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:24.080
instead of if they were to go to a site that's just woods, they don't have all that work. So, this is a tool that the state of New Jersey offered. So, if if this wasn't offered to them, they would just go to another municipality. They

108
00:31:24.080 --> 00:31:44.240
would go somewhere else. It wouldn't come here. So I don't see they are paying taxes when they build this. The land tax which

109
00:31:44.240 --> 00:32:01.600
currently the land tax for that parcel is 86 $85,000. $85,000. When they build this, it is projected that that land tax will go up to $500,000 and that will be spread out the way

110
00:32:01.600 --> 00:32:17.600
normal taxes are. The amount goes to the schools, amount goes to the township, amount goes to the county. So if you leave it the way it is, it's $86,000. We do this that it goes up to $500,000.

111
00:32:17.600 --> 00:32:36.880
Now then you have the pilot agreement which the township will get 2.25 25 $2.29 million. So, and then that increases 2 and a4% a year and we also get 2% a year to administer

112
00:32:36.880 --> 00:33:06.760
that. So, we're going to go from getting $86,000 85 and change to $3 million. So I what's that >> race track

113
00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:27.720
>> for all those reasons. That's why I'm I'm not going to vote yet. It's not time to vote yet. But I just wanted to answer some of those questions. and and and respond to some of the comments that were made so that you know where I'm coming from.

114
00:33:28.080 --> 00:33:46.000
>> So, but yep, I'm done. >> Okay. >> So, I'm going to speak a little bit. Um, as a lifelong resident here in the township, um, growing up at the racetrack, you know, going there to see

115
00:33:46.000 --> 00:34:02.000
the races, everybody knows when the casinos came, that's when the racetrack fell. The racetrack uh, in my eyes has been sitting there for a very, very long time with nothing there. Decades with nothing

116
00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:19.839
there. This to me is a prime opportunity to redevelop that site. Yes, it might not be what everybody wants, but down the road that site might sit for two more decades. So, this is an opportunity for our

117
00:34:19.839 --> 00:34:36.480
township to grow to get a flourish of money, which it will because when I first when when I first got on this meeting, I really didn't or in this spot committee, I didn't know too much about pilot

118
00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:54.480
programs. So, I did some research. We had a meeting on it and it was explained perfectly to me how it works. I know not everybody might not be on board, but when is explained to me, it just it fit well and it seems, like I said,

119
00:34:54.480 --> 00:35:09.920
it's going to benefit this township to no end. As a lifelong resident, like I said, I have seen that sit for a very long time. And to continue to see it sit would just be devastating because it needs something. Yes, we all know the

120
00:35:09.920 --> 00:35:28.320
mall is in very bad shape. We know that something down the road hopefully will happen and maybe that will grow also in that area. So just looking at the figures like the mayor had said, we're receiving

121
00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:46.000
very little in taxes from that place and this will grow our tax base, you know, substantially. And I do want to thank uh the administrator and everyone else because there was information that was put on our website explaining the pilot and

122
00:35:46.000 --> 00:36:01.920
explaining the benefits to the township and explaining this community, what were they called? >> Community partnership. >> Community partnership where Amazon's going to do things for our town, for the schools, for education. This is

123
00:36:01.920 --> 00:36:16.880
this agreement is in this pro this you know the it's in this agreement we have seen it. So with that said you know I myself as a resident I want to see it flourish there. I know not everybody

124
00:36:16.880 --> 00:36:37.119
does but just seeing that decay there for a long time something needs to happen there. There there have been studies on on different things. I I will I will concur with you. You know there is going

125
00:36:37.119 --> 00:36:53.359
to be some you know more trucks and changes to that place but there is pollution even without that place there. There might not be much. You had mall traffic back in the day correct when that mall was flourishing. >> Okay.

126
00:36:53.359 --> 00:37:10.160
>> All right. I'm not going to go. So I'll leave it at that. I would like to say that we have lost $31 million in readables uh due to non-development. Redevelopment is very important in

127
00:37:10.160 --> 00:37:27.119
Hamilton Township because it's going to help the taxpayers too. I cannot wait until this project goes through fruition so we can tell the taxpayers we did not raise taxes on this particular year. It's been

128
00:37:27.119 --> 00:37:44.000
tough. It's been tough for us to try to come up with monies because of the insuranceances, the pensions. Um, everything has just went up tremendously. So, in order to keep uh that we're looking at the the taxpayers

129
00:37:44.000 --> 00:38:00.400
because we said we want we wanted to be fiscal responsible and the only way to be fiscal responsible is to bring redevelopment in this community. I was a teamster student 331 under Joe Yman for over 20 years. So I

130
00:38:00.400 --> 00:38:16.800
understand the concerns. >> I am >> I Well, wait a minute. Wait, let let me finish because I heard you say, "All right, first of all, I do appreciate you coming here, but we got this at 5:00, so I didn't get a

131
00:38:16.800 --> 00:38:32.480
chance to read this letter until you get till you came here." I think that's fair to say. Right. >> Well, we didn't get it to five. >> You didn't get it to five. And I got it when I walked in here. >> I got it when I walked in here. But our

132
00:38:32.480 --> 00:38:47.839
professionals have been working on this for a long time. And this is going to bring money to our township. We have to be um keep Amazon accountable

133
00:38:47.839 --> 00:39:02.720
with everything that's in the agreements. We have lawyers. We have professionals. We have everybody here that we've been all working with and asking questions. And this has been going on for several years prior to me getting even on this township. The redevelopment

134
00:39:02.720 --> 00:39:18.160
project has started in 2018. I wasn't on until 2022, but I did see the downfall in the ratables. And it's been horrible.

135
00:39:18.160 --> 00:39:34.880
It's been horrible what has been happening throughout this entire country, not just in our community. So, we have to do something. We have to do something. So, I am going to say that I am going to support this project. Uh we do have we do have something that's in

136
00:39:34.880 --> 00:39:50.320
place every year. I believe that it has to be evaluated. And if they're not keeping up to their agreement and the lawyers here, you can correct me if I'm wrong. All right. But every year there is something

137
00:39:50.320 --> 00:40:08.560
set in place that they have to be evaluated. We just not going to pass something and then wa it's gone and we don't have no accountability. Every year it has to be evaluated. And if they're not doing what they're supposed to do, we can stop this project at any time. Am

138
00:40:08.560 --> 00:40:43.040
I right? Almost. Okay. >> That's not a part of the financial agreement. That's part of something else. That's not a part of the financial agreement. >> All right. But that's all I wanted to say. I did want to say something because we're all responsible. we all were

139
00:40:43.040 --> 00:41:00.160
elected to be up here to make sure that we're doing the best job that we can do for this township. So, based on what was presented to us and the yearly audit and the yearly everything that has to be done and us holding them accountable, I think that this is a great um thing for

140
00:41:00.160 --> 00:41:20.240
Hamilton Township. >> All the comment is closed. If I could just say one thing, I was part of the the group that is part of the pilot and numerous numerous meetings. No one took

141
00:41:20.240 --> 00:41:36.800
it lightly. We looked out for the best of the township. We looked out for the best of the residents. We worked very hard and very diligently to get what we think is the best case scenario for this township.

142
00:41:36.800 --> 00:41:54.240
And looking at it, it looks as if it's a very nice windfall. And the fact that they're in a community partnership that are going above and beyond the taxes for our community shows that they will be a good neighbor. And no one took this

143
00:41:54.240 --> 00:42:14.960
lightly, believe me. We spent hours and hours and hours working on this pilot program. Um, I just want to say that I hear you. I I'm I'm just in shock as you are because I'm just seeing just like uh

144
00:42:14.960 --> 00:42:31.280
committee woman Dr. Thurma Witherspoon said we just I'm looking at the letter just seeing a letter. So, I just need you to know that. So, I'm hearing you. I'm looking. Um, but I will say that

145
00:42:31.280 --> 00:42:47.920
Amazon will not be a data center. I'm very against that. I'm on the record for saying that. We do not have a sunset date for the ordinance that we wrote it on. So, just to answer the concerns about that,

146
00:42:47.920 --> 00:43:04.400
um I'm very excited about them putting on the record and they stood here and said they will provide us about 750 jobs. And um I just want you to know that my focus is

147
00:43:04.400 --> 00:43:20.319
to keep Amazon accountable. Trust me when I tell you I am very focused on keeping them accountable. Um as the our attorney has said that there will be checks and balances

148
00:43:20.319 --> 00:43:35.119
every year. Every year and we are talking about the financial agreement which I believe is I I think this is exceptional that they've also agreed to add up to $10 million in a community partnership

149
00:43:35.119 --> 00:43:53.440
agreement. Um, so I just I just want you to know that I I'm not taking this lightly at all. I I'm definitely will be speaking on the fact about you were saying about the um the workers

150
00:43:53.440 --> 00:44:11.200
and um looking at the letter again and addressing it again. I want you to know that, you know, because it can be addressed again because we just said we have to hold them accountable every year. Okay? So, I

151
00:44:11.200 --> 00:44:27.760
appreciate you speaking. Um I I don't know if you can just I can just call on you to say something. I don't want to be out of order. I know we do have a public comment at the end, but I will refer um you raising your hand, but I because I do want to acknowledge and I do see you raising your hand because some people

152
00:44:27.760 --> 00:44:44.480
look over and act like they don't see people. I see you. Um so I will refer to um my the mayor or our solicitor to see when you can ask or comment on whatever your concerns are. And I thank you very much.

153
00:44:44.480 --> 00:44:59.760
>> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek. >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Mayor Patali. >> Yes. And I just want to add one more thing because I didn't I didn't address it. This project also went through planning board.

154
00:44:59.760 --> 00:45:17.680
Um going through planning board that means it had to meet um lighting criteria, landscaping criteria. Um noise was addressed um with BMS around the

155
00:45:17.680 --> 00:45:34.319
project with sound sound walls with landscaping. Um also talking about uh storm water management. Right now there really is no storm water management out there. So now that we're getting a developer in there

156
00:45:34.319 --> 00:45:49.920
to do something, you're going to get storm water management. Um, so that's those are all positives that I believe. So I just wanted to throw that out there too because I didn't I didn't I didn't address that to the people that that brought that up. I apologize. >> And I just can you just answer can you

157
00:45:49.920 --> 00:46:05.680
just tell this gentleman when he can either ask his question or what his concern at what point or because he's raising his hand and I don't want him to think that I'm not. >> Mayor, you're chair of the meeting at this point. >> Public comment. >> Public comment will be at the end of the meeting. >> Public comment at the end of the meeting.

158
00:46:05.680 --> 00:47:01.280
>> Yes. Yes. >> For the financial agreement. >> All right. All right. >> All right. Come on. Okay. Ordinance 2141. >> Ordinance 2141-2026.

159
00:47:01.280 --> 00:47:20.240
An ordinance amending chapter 70 article 3 titled extrad duty employment of the code of the township of Hamilton. This is a public hearing. >> Motion to close. >> Second.

160
00:47:20.240 --> 00:47:40.720
>> I have a motion to second. All those in favor? >> I against. What's your pleasure? >> So move. >> Second. Have a motion to second. Any questions or comments? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aen, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek.

161
00:47:40.720 --> 00:47:58.400
>> Yes. >> M. Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Withers. >> Yes. >> Mayor Patel. >> Yes. >> 4 D. Public hearing ordinance 2142-2026. an ordinance amending exhibit A and exhibit B to article 2 of chapter 66 of

162
00:47:58.400 --> 00:48:14.960
the code of the township of Hamilton and the township of Hamilton's chart of organization to provide for the amendment of certain positions and maximum salaries. This is public hearing. Anybody from the

163
00:48:14.960 --> 00:48:35.599
public wish to comment? Motion closed. I have a motion to close. Second. I have a second. All those in favor? >> Against. What's your pleasure? >> Motion. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments?

164
00:48:35.599 --> 00:48:52.240
>> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cheek. >> Yes. >> M. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Mayor Patel. >> Yes. >> 4E. Public hearing ordinance 2143-2026. an ordinance to vacate a portion of

165
00:48:52.240 --> 00:49:03.839
Penny Lane, formerly known as River Path, described as 20 ft from the northwestern property boundary lines of block

166
00:49:03.839 --> 00:49:21.680
119. Lots 33 29 28.1 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

167
00:49:21.680 --> 00:49:41.680
and 6 as identified on exhibit A tax map of the township of Hamilton located in the township of Hamilton County of Atlantic, New Jersey. This is a public hearing. Anybody from the public wish to speak? >> Motion to close. >> Second.

168
00:49:41.680 --> 00:49:58.640
>> I have a motion in a second. All those in favor? >> I >> I >> Eyes have it. >> It's your pleasure. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments?

169
00:49:58.640 --> 00:50:15.599
Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> M. Thompson. Yes, >> Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Abstain. >> Moving on. 5A. Introduction of ordinances.

170
00:50:15.599 --> 00:50:34.559
Public hearing to be held July 20th 26. 2144-2026. An ordinance of the Township of Hamilton County of Atlantic amending the redevelopment plan for block 994, lot 57, the Township of Hamilton landfill

171
00:50:34.559 --> 00:50:52.559
site. >> Your pleasure. >> Motion >> second. >> Motion in a second. Questions, comments? >> Just Yes. Um so I wanted to ask Mr. administrator. Um why did um he have to

172
00:50:52.559 --> 00:51:09.040
acquire the additional lots? >> So the uh Pineelands Commission reviewed this project uh at the final final and uh required an additional endangered species survey to be done and

173
00:51:09.040 --> 00:51:25.680
identified that the land surrounding the landfill could potentially be a flight path for the redhead woodpecker. uh required the developer to acquire additional lots to accommodate 100 buffer around the site for this light

174
00:51:25.680 --> 00:51:42.800
path. So 100 foot buffer had to be placed around the landfill for this corridor. Um to do that he had to acquire lots 58.12 58.13 58.4 and 58.5.

175
00:51:42.800 --> 00:51:59.040
>> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions or comments? >> No, because that was that basically um township administrator basically explained the uh the buffer that was needed for

176
00:51:59.040 --> 00:52:14.720
this project, which has been a long time. >> So, if he if he wasn't able to do that, acquire the additional land, it would have triggered a whole new uh redesign for the stormwater management and probably would have pushed the project out another year.

177
00:52:14.720 --> 00:52:32.000
So he went this route and some of the surrounding lots became cougher and was able to keep the project intact as approved by >> Hank. >> Roll call vote please. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thompson.

178
00:52:32.000 --> 00:52:48.160
>> Yes. >> Dr. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Moving on to awards, bids, contracts, change orders. Authorize engineering services to MW Watkins Associates for professional services required to complete the design and

179
00:52:48.160 --> 00:53:06.720
construction inspections for the 2026 roadway improvement program phase 2 contract number 2026-07. >> So move second. I have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments? >> Roll call vote, please.

180
00:53:06.720 --> 00:53:28.160
>> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Cheek, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. >> Mayor Patel. >> Yes. >> 6B. Award engineering services to M Watkins Associates for design, permitting, construction services for FY2026 municipal aid, MISPA road

181
00:53:28.160 --> 00:53:47.040
reconstruction phase one in the amount of $49,000. >> So move. Second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments? Yes, I I have a question. Um, when are we um putting these contracts

182
00:53:47.040 --> 00:54:02.240
out to bid and um when do you anticipate the work being done? >> Um I was going to do that for my report so take time away from it. Uh they will be advertised the road program phase two

183
00:54:02.240 --> 00:54:18.079
hopefully Monday if not Friday. >> Okay. So, they're almost they're ready to bid. >> Ready to bid. >> And you awarded it tonight. So, >> and what was the last? >> We're working fast. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And then MSP Road, uh, we're waiting for

184
00:54:18.079 --> 00:54:36.000
DO's comments, uh, to allow us to go out the bid. We anticipate to be ready next week as well. So, we're anticipating to be both coming in uh, July 31st, 30th >> and award at the first August meeting.

185
00:54:36.000 --> 00:54:51.280
Okay. >> Um hopefully be under construction by end of September and then be completed by November. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. Thank you. >> You got it. No problem. >> Any other questions or comments? Roll call vote, please.

186
00:54:51.280 --> 00:55:13.920
>> Mr. Aken. >> Yes. >> Mr. Chief. >> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Consent agenda. What's your pleasure? >> Um, I'll pull out

187
00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:37.599
7 C >> 7 C. >> Yes. >> I would like to make a motion uh for the consent agenda AB D. E and F second

188
00:55:37.599 --> 00:55:58.160
>> motion in a second for A B D EF. >> All those in favor? >> I >> against eyes have it. >> Okay. 7 C. >> Read it or you want me to read? resolution to allow parking on Park Road

189
00:55:58.160 --> 00:56:14.319
for special events on July 25th, September 12th and 13th, 2026. >> Okay. So, my question was to the administrator is um it doesn't mention the special events. So, what is the special events that >> So, July 25th is the cardboard

190
00:56:14.319 --> 00:56:30.880
>> carboard riata and the boat races. >> September 12th and 13th are the Oh, on this right here. >> All right. Thank you so much. Anybody wish to make a motion on this? >> Motion second. Have >> a motion to second. All those in favor?

191
00:56:30.880 --> 00:57:05.280
I >> hence eyes have it. Moving on. Personnel Resolution to appoint a deputy municipal clerk. appoint Jessica Mendes as a full-time deputy municipal clerk clerk at the

192
00:57:05.280 --> 00:57:20.240
annual salary of $70,000 effective June 1st, 2026 with a $2,500 for serving as the township of Hamilton's public agency compliance officer and deputy

193
00:57:20.240 --> 00:57:36.720
register of vital statistics. Upon receipt of registered municipal clerk certification, an additional $5,000 will be added to the base salary. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. >> Any comments or questions?

194
00:57:36.720 --> 00:57:51.839
Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes. >> Mayor Patel, >> yes. HP resolution to appoint Heather Jennigan Taco technical assistant to the

195
00:57:51.839 --> 00:58:09.119
construction code official at $53,710.88 annually effective January 1st, 2026. >> Motion second. >> I have a motion to second. Questions or comments? Roll call vote, please. >> Yes. >> Yes.

196
00:58:09.119 --> 00:58:26.880
>> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Yes. Uh 8 C resolution to appoint Mary Teresa Drager to regular dual position technical assistant to the construction code official at $4,500 annually

197
00:58:26.880 --> 00:58:43.839
effective January 1st 2026. >> Motion second. >> Motion in the second. Questions, comments? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Yes. >> Yes.

198
00:58:43.839 --> 00:59:00.160
>> 8D. Resolution to hire Bernie Degraph as a full-time truck driver laborer $20 base salary base hourly rate per Teamsters Local 331 agreement. Employment contingent upon successful completion of physical drug screen and

199
00:59:00.160 --> 00:59:15.920
background check. Starting date effective to be determined. This is to fill a budgeted position. >> So move second. I >> have a motion to second. Questions, comments? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Hen, >> yes. >> Cheek. >> Yes. >> Miss Thompson? >> Yes.

200
00:59:15.920 --> 00:59:31.359
>> Dr. Witherspoon? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Approvals. Minutes. Regular meeting minutes of June 15, 2026. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor? I

201
00:59:31.359 --> 00:59:50.400
>> against eyes have it. Bills. Bill is total 8,641,99626. >> Motion >> second. >> I have a motion in a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Aken, >> yes. >> Mr. Chief, >> yes. >> Miss Thompson, >> yes. >> Dr. Witherspoon, >> yes.

202
00:59:50.400 --> 01:00:06.640
>> Yes. >> Reports. Mr. Administrator. >> I want to congratulate everyone that was uh either promoted or hired tonight. Most specifically, Jessica. Uh, not a lot of people realize that she's been since 1998.

203
01:00:06.640 --> 01:00:24.160
I was still in high school. I think she may have just graduated high school. Um, for the record, I just wanted to let everyone know what roads are going to be paving in phase two fall.

204
01:00:24.160 --> 01:00:39.040
Uh, Lombard Street from Rangle Barrow to Leaf Sig. Uh we do have some miscellaneous road repair specifically intersections in the Hamilton walk subdivision mall. Cleveland Avenue from Holly to Orange Street. Garden Road from

205
01:00:39.040 --> 01:00:55.359
Driftwood to 322. Cherry Lane from 322 to Driftwood. Driftwood Lane from Garden to 7300 block Driftwood. Another section of driftwood near the saxvenue

206
01:00:55.359 --> 01:01:18.000
from 32 road roughly half 6,000 ft. >> 6,000 ft. So a little over a mile. >> Yeah. McCall Avenue might be pushed as a supplemental just because we have a storm pipe that's collapsing on Ken Skull Road that needs to be replaced

207
01:01:18.000 --> 01:01:35.200
this year like ASAP. So that's going to be included in the base bid of this project. So McCall will will go out to bid, but we'll see if bids come in favorably to get that done. But the storm piping on Ken Skull is very important. Uh hopefully doesn't get any worse and we don't have

208
01:01:35.200 --> 01:01:51.520
to shut the road down and have an emergency fund. >> Very good. >> That's it. Mr. Solicitor, >> nothing to report this time. Mayor, thank you. >> Mr. Engineer, do you have anything left to say? >> No, I'm good. >> Listen, there's any questions?

209
01:01:51.520 --> 01:02:07.200
>> No, I'm good. >> Um and just want to say the other half of Miss B Road, we've applied for a grant. I don't know if anybody's know it's been mentioned and obviously we we approved what needed to be approved here. >> So hopefully we will get that second half. >> That's correct.

210
01:02:07.200 --> 01:02:23.920
>> Miss Bar got her fingers crossed for that. >> Yep. >> So thank you for that. >> Uh township committee members, let's start with Dr. Witherspoon. >> Yes. Um I want to say that I attended the Junth um celebration at Lake Lenipe.

211
01:02:23.920 --> 01:02:40.160
It was very nice done by a wish and the saw church. It was very a very nice event and I was glad to be there. Um the time that I did show and I stayed to the basically to the end. The hometown

212
01:02:40.160 --> 01:02:58.000
celebration was great. The rain held up. It poured when I left, but I was there for several hours and it was very nice to see uh the hometown people there. That that was very very nice. It was very nice. uh Mayor Patali

213
01:02:58.000 --> 01:03:13.520
that um you orchestrated a parade for Kana Jojo and uh it was on the email I saw it and ran over there. I couldn't be in the parade because I had something else to do but it was a very proud moment for

214
01:03:13.520 --> 01:03:29.920
our township to have two people who won gold medals in ball hockey. So, I was very very excited about that and so I'm sure the parents were full of joy and proud and they made this entire township very proud. Um, so I want to say

215
01:03:29.920 --> 01:03:46.799
congratulations again to them. And then the July 4th, it was extremely hot, but it was a beautiful event uh celebrating 250 years of our country. Uh, Pastor Ash along with the township

216
01:03:46.799 --> 01:04:04.720
um put this together Um well, not the programming part, but we were participating uh in it with the chairs and the public works and all of that part. So, we did do that part and I was happy about that. It was hot, but it was nice. It was

217
01:04:04.720 --> 01:04:20.240
still hot, but it was very, very nice. And it's there's only one time that you have 250 years, you know, and the choir was singing and everybody who spoke it they done an excellent job on that event in a short time. So I just wanted to say

218
01:04:20.240 --> 01:04:36.799
I did attend that event and it was very very nice and it made me proud um to be a part of committee although I wasn't part of that committee but to be a part of committee while something like this was taking place. we can say that something happened in the township because people were saying nobody done

219
01:04:36.799 --> 01:04:54.000
nothing in the township but we did do something uh in the township and to be out there in all of that heat for 30 minutes was said a whole lot but um I want to say what a job well done and thanks to everybody who help put that

220
01:04:54.000 --> 01:05:12.400
together for our township. Thank you so much. >> Sure. Well, I echo Dr. Thelma Witherspoon's uh comments because I was right there with her. Um the Junth celebration, the hometown celebration,

221
01:05:12.400 --> 01:05:29.119
the 250 celebration, great events for our community. Um the rain did hold off for us at uh hometown celebration. We got it through. We were all breaking down in the rain, right? >> Breaking it stuff down. So, it was great great stuff there. um in our community.

222
01:05:29.119 --> 01:05:47.440
I also attended um uh the vets and vessels afterparty at Max Sports. Uh this was an event through um uh Maze Yach Club. They put it together. I know it's their first one, so they got to work out their wrinkles and, you know,

223
01:05:47.440 --> 01:06:04.240
figure out how to better it, but it was a great start. Um, I want to say I think they had like 15 uh vets and uh boats took uh veterans out on the waters for some time on the water and it was a great, you know, it was a great event and the afterparty, the celebration was

224
01:06:04.240 --> 01:06:20.240
awesome, too. Brought the vets back, they could drink, you know, be merry, happy, chitchat. It was a great event. Like I said, the first time, so hopefully they work out the wrinkles. So, I want to give a shout out to our Maze Landing uh yach club on that. Um, I

225
01:06:20.240 --> 01:06:37.039
did attend a recreational meeting. Um, we discussed the expansion at the Leapy Track. Uh, there is a third hockey court that's going to be installed and there's some movement on some uh lacrosse fields being uh installed out there. Some

226
01:06:37.039 --> 01:06:53.440
parking eventually. I'll say it now. Eventually, I'd like to see turf fields out there. >> Just saying. I'm I'm about youth sports, so I'll put it out there now. Um, it would be great to have a turf field. I know other communities do have a turf

227
01:06:53.440 --> 01:07:16.880
field in their community, so it would be nice to see Hamilton Township have one out there one day. Um, other than that, that's all. That's >> Thank you, sir. >> Woman. Um so I was happy to attend the Junth

228
01:07:16.880 --> 01:07:32.319
celebration um that was sponsored by um Sila Davis with the uh a wish and also the uh church which I was a referee and took it very

229
01:07:32.319 --> 01:07:49.520
serious when we're playing kickball. She had so many activities out there and it was a beautiful event um by Lake Linnipe. Um so I was so happy that you did that for our township. Beautiful. Um also want to say that we celebrated the

230
01:07:49.520 --> 01:08:05.280
250 years of America, our birthday. Um, we did our Fourth of July ceremony and I attended that. Uh, that same day in support of me trying to support small businesses throughout Hamilton Township.

231
01:08:05.280 --> 01:08:22.239
We went to Rick's barbecue and um, he was doing something for Fourth of July. So went there and uh, supported him. And I also had my Fourth of July quote that I want to share. And I said, uh, may we think of freedom

232
01:08:22.239 --> 01:08:40.799
not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right. Um, I then also attended uh June on June 27th our hometown celebration where I volunteered with um a reefs across

233
01:08:40.799 --> 01:08:57.839
America and I encourage everyone to support Reefs Across America. We volunteer and we put reefs on a veteran's grave. So if you have opportunity to support them, please do. Um and then also like to make an

234
01:08:57.839 --> 01:09:15.279
announcement that um our national night out is coming up. um on August the 4th, which our police department is behind that and PAL and also our chief put in his report that we are hiring for a

235
01:09:15.279 --> 01:09:31.199
full-time police officer. So, accepting applications from a fully uh certified officer and I also want to congratulate Jessica on your appointment. And um that's it.

236
01:09:31.199 --> 01:09:46.319
>> Thank you. Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor. >> I echo everyone with the functions. We all see each other all last three weeks. We should have breakfast together, I think. And then I have to say congratulations to the men's ball hockey

237
01:09:46.319 --> 01:10:03.040
team to be a world champion. That's quite a feat. We have two residents, Connor Callahan and Joe Malio Molen, >> okay, but congratulations to them. And then for our dam committee,

238
01:10:03.040 --> 01:10:19.120
>> oh yes, >> the 2026 Dam Safety Association is handing us an award for the dam design and everything and that will be in Raleigh. And I understand the mayor will be going. >> That's the plan. Oh, good for you.

239
01:10:19.120 --> 01:10:35.120
That's that means a lot for the whole nation that you get you get to go, you know. And then after this last weekend, I have to say one thing. Anytime you hear a patriotic song or anything, a sporting event, the national anthem,

240
01:10:35.120 --> 01:10:50.640
everything, just realize what we have in our country, how fortunate we are. That's all I have. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Uh yes, I attended most. I didn't make it to uh Junth, unfortunately. Uh made

241
01:10:50.640 --> 01:11:08.159
it to everything else. It was It wasn't hot and rainy. It was just plain old hot. Um, good to see everybody out and and enjoying themselves with that stuff. A couple things that are that are also coming up. Um, second annual cardboard riata by the uh, Maze Landing Yacht

242
01:11:08.159 --> 01:11:24.080
Club. That's Saturday, July 25th, 10 a.m. at the Cove. Uh, last year was a lot of fun. It was the first time, so hopefully worked out a couple of the bugs that we may have had. And, uh, hope to see people out there for that. Also, if you're going to if you're going to attend, um, this is

243
01:11:24.080 --> 01:11:40.880
to help out the food bank. So, please bring some food, um, non-p perishables, and they'll be there to make that collection. Um, the cancer support community dragon boat races are this Sunday, the 12th, at Lenipe Park East.

244
01:11:40.880 --> 01:11:57.840
Starts around 8:00 a.m. They finish up around 5:00 p.m. Lots of people there, food trucks. It's uh it's a lot of fun to go and watch them race. Uh, Bob, do we have uh anybody in the back of the lake doing anything this year? They didn't do anything last year.

245
01:11:57.840 --> 01:12:13.600
>> Yeah, I think I think they went out champions because uh they two years ago the the crew in the back of the lake there um they beat a lot of the teams that are that have been around for years. So I think they just decided to go out as champions. Um but that's

246
01:12:13.600 --> 01:12:29.760
always a good time. Please go out and check that out. Uh and of course talk about Connor and Jojo, two local two local guys. Um Jojo just moved to the town. I believe he's from uh Gloucester, but he just moved to town and Connor

247
01:12:29.760 --> 01:12:45.600
grew up went started playing hockey in the township when he was four years old. And uh now he's in his 20s and going over to Europe to play with the United States ball hockey team and bring home the gold. And also um the ladies team

248
01:12:45.600 --> 01:13:02.480
also brought home the gold. Uh can't forget about them. And right now all the all the younger teams are over there now. Um, I haven't paid too much attention to it, but I do I I do know that the uh the the boys and the girls teams are both doing well. Um, but

249
01:13:02.480 --> 01:13:18.080
that's a pretty pretty impressive feat for them to uh get done. It's it's great that a couple of them are are from uh from me. So, that's awesome. Um, that's all I have. Reagan, I will see

250
01:13:18.080 --> 01:13:39.679
you later. Maddie, I miss you and I love you and I hope to see you soon. And we'll go ahead and open it up to public comment. >> Both of you got up. Come on. Who's getting the mic first? >> Carl, I was looking looking for you Monday night when I got sworn into

251
01:13:39.679 --> 01:13:56.320
county committee. >> I was busy having fun with the hockey with the hockey guys. >> Rich was away, right? Rich was away >> and it'll be be my second term on on county committee. >> Very good. I appreciate I appreciate you

252
01:13:56.320 --> 01:14:21.679
uh volunteering to do that. >> And um also Brad um what were you saying about Laurel Street >> Orange? Okay. >> Okay. Uh before um I thought I heard from from Holly Holly to Hickory

253
01:14:21.679 --> 01:14:42.239
>> Holly. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Good evening members. Uh I'm Bill Chrisman, 539 Pine Needle Drive, Maze Landing, and I've been asked by many of the residents over the last few months

254
01:14:42.239 --> 01:14:57.120
to come and and ask uh address you about the possibility of what it would take for us to possibly contact Atlantic County regarding the stop sign at the intersection of Ocean Heights Avenue and

255
01:14:57.120 --> 01:15:13.120
Maze Landing Summers Point Road. Uh it's it's a very small stop sign and no one stops. It's become a very dangerous intersection. There are many accidents there. People just don't stop. I mean, they'll come down Ocean Heights Avenue

256
01:15:13.120 --> 01:15:29.120
to the dead end and slow down and just keep on going. And it's become a very uh concerning situation in that area. So, I see the the stop signs that they have in Egg Harbor Township, which are a little bit larger and have the red lights going

257
01:15:29.120 --> 01:15:45.360
around them. I think we've all seen them. Perhaps something like that would be um advisable at that intersection. It's just become such a busy large intersection with traffic that it needs more than just the small stop sign that most of us have at the end of our

258
01:15:45.360 --> 01:16:03.199
street. And uh if that's possible, can that be done? Can we can we make a request to >> feverishly writing some notes down? So, we'll we'll get an email over to the county executive and I believe uh one of the commissioners are here and I believe he's on roads and bridges. So, he heard

259
01:16:03.199 --> 01:16:19.600
you too. >> Okay. >> Take care of it. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yeah, we'll get we'll get an email over to them to take a look at >> just I think it's something that should be examined. I see it every day numerous times. And coming down on Ocean Heights Avenue, you almost have to stop yourself because the cars are coming down Maze

260
01:16:19.600 --> 01:16:35.120
Lane Summers Point Road. I'm sorry. You almost have to stop because the cars don't stop coming from Ocean Heights Avenue. >> And uh it's become a pretty serious issue. So if we can do that, uh I I would appreciate it and neighbors would appreciate that too in the area. >> Absolutely.

261
01:16:35.120 --> 01:17:00.320
>> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Hi, my name is Danielle Garrett. This is actually my first time coming to um the meeting. So, my address is with these. I have no issue probably I would say with the school system itself. They're great. They work with the kids. They

262
01:17:00.320 --> 01:17:16.719
communicate well. It's the bullying. It's the fighting. Um it's uncontrollable. Twice my daughter's been attacked. The first time it was actually in school. girl just came up behind a dragger. Second time it was a fight all on internet which was recently. Um I did

263
01:17:16.719 --> 01:17:32.000
speak to the parent before it tried to escalated you know try to deescalate the problem. We squashed it out whatever they had going on. However, older sister decided to show up at a birthday part birthday party that she was not invited to and it led into a fight where my

264
01:17:32.000 --> 01:17:46.640
daughter had to protect herself. So my daughter's 12, the girl's 15 years old. She was too comfortable to come fight a 12-year-old girl and three years different and she's also bigger than her. I seen the video and the way she kicked her in her chest, she could have

265
01:17:46.640 --> 01:18:03.920
killed her or could have had serious injuries. So, I kind of think like these kids are not just getting what can happen to another kid by harm. And I also take it back as again when I spoke to the parent, she kind of had no remorse. She thought it was her my daughter who started the fight. And I'm

266
01:18:03.920 --> 01:18:19.120
like, "Your daughter showed up to a party that she was not invited to. So, her intentions was to fight." So, and there was multiple witnesses that did say she did, you know, started the fight. So, for it to be plastered all over the internet. My daughter was crying cuz she got kicked

267
01:18:19.120 --> 01:18:36.080
so hard in the chest. I just feel like these parents are not being held accountability for their kids. And I feel like if parents are being starting to be held accountable for their kids' action, maybe this could kind of minor all the violence that's going on or the fighting that is going on or the bullying that is going on in the school system because I have two older girls

268
01:18:36.080 --> 01:18:51.760
that went both graduated from Oakrest did not have a problem through that school year. I think the social media wasn't as big as it is now. But now that the social media is there, they use these kids like the boys were, you know, I heard boys in the background, you know, gasping it up for these girls to

269
01:18:51.760 --> 01:19:07.600
fight. And I think is there is I think they want that attention. It could also be because the kids are bored. There's no there's no like I came from East Orange and there we had I mean East Orange is you know it's not a high profile good community but they are they

270
01:19:07.600 --> 01:19:22.880
try to keep the you know the kids entertained. So we had like parks and stuff like that in the summertime for you know the kids to come out and eat at the parks. They had like you know the pools in the area like community for kids. We had like the YMCA. there's nothing here for like these kids, you know, to do or I don't think there's

271
01:19:22.880 --> 01:19:38.159
like a open counselor for some of these kids that, you know, probably have issues at home that is causing the violence that they're doing to other kids for the attention. So, I was just saying like if this community can do something for the kids, you know, where they're more safer, where they can go to a party and not, you know, have to deal

272
01:19:38.159 --> 01:19:55.040
with fighting someone or even like even at the um, you know, Lake Penipe, they see them and if there's not enough parents or cops around, a fight can break out or something like that. But I just feel like we just need more safetiness for these kids. And I would say I am a victim of my brother being

273
01:19:55.040 --> 01:20:10.640
murdered a couple of years ago, maybe 10 years ago and my niece. So for 17 and you know 15 years old to be murdered, I felt as though like that fight I saw her getting her like the wind kicked out of her that could have resolved into a very bad injury. So I just that's what I have

274
01:20:10.640 --> 01:20:42.719
to say. Thank you. Good evening. Um my name is Davis. I'm from Hamilton Township. Um first I wanted to say thank you to um everyone for coming out and supporting Junth. A special thank you to Tracy, committee woman Tracy for um her generous

275
01:20:42.719 --> 01:20:57.840
sponsorship to help with the event and for being a referee and also to committeeman Eric Aken for um his sponsorship as well as saying that you was only going to stay for a couple minutes and you was there the whole time. I just wanted to get that on the record. Um so thank you guys so much

276
01:20:57.840 --> 01:21:14.560
because that mean that meant a lot to to AWish and to Soore. People were asking who you guys were. um they you know especially Tracy like she was in the thick of things with the kickball. So it's nice to see you guys out there in the community and interacting with the

277
01:21:14.560 --> 01:21:30.239
um community especially with the youth. A lot of things I do is for the youth. Um I had a a crisis with my daughter just recently and um it was it was very difficult and some of the stuff that she was speaking about um is because of the stuff that's happening

278
01:21:30.239 --> 01:21:46.719
in the community with the youth bullying each other and things like that. that um I reached out to committee woman Tracy like in tears um because I just didn't know what to do. Um when the police got involved, they were not friendly. Um just seeing a mother in crisis and I'm

279
01:21:46.719 --> 01:22:03.679
in the community all the time. Like I mean if a parent call me, I'm coming. Um but to be able to to have nobody to call when when you when I'm in a situation and the police is called and they were not not not all of them. There was a one

280
01:22:03.679 --> 01:22:18.960
police officer who was very he was not friendly at all, very dismissive. Um I sat in the lobby for two and a half hours waiting for um um a sergeant who didn't show up. However, I did get a phone call the next day very early in

281
01:22:18.960 --> 01:22:36.000
the morning, very apologetic um about the behaviors and things like that. Um so I I wanted to put that on the record that even my daughter when she was in the back, the stuff that she heard, I'm her mother at the end of the day. no matter what we go through, the police officer mocking me. And for my daughter

282
01:22:36.000 --> 01:22:52.560
to to say that, like that is not acceptable. That is not acceptable to hear the stuff that was said in front of my my 14-year-old daughter. Um, so I I wanted to say that to say I'm somebody that's in a community,

283
01:22:52.560 --> 01:23:07.360
right? And I have relationships with all of you. somebody that's not in the community like this young lady right here who never came to a committee meeting had didn't even know what to do when she came to the police station to talk about what was happening she was

284
01:23:07.360 --> 01:23:22.639
dismissed as well. This stuff cannot it cannot be it can't happen in our community. It cannot like we just can't be dismissed by the police who we are we're coming to get protection from or serve from you know whatever the case may be. It shouldn't it shouldn't be

285
01:23:22.639 --> 01:23:38.560
like that. Also, it's a great thing to see more police um at these events. I sent emails out um uh I sent stuff on Facebook just inviting police to come out, come out and play some kickball when there is stuff coming out so that

286
01:23:38.560 --> 01:23:54.320
the kids could get comfortable so that they're not only seeing them in schools or when something bad is happening. I think that is very very important. If somebody is off duty or if they're not busy, just come out. I give events throughout the whole year and I could honestly count mayor, you're there at a

287
01:23:54.320 --> 01:24:09.760
lot of the events. There's not police presence. And I'm not saying to come there and police. I'm saying to come there and get involved. Make yourself make your face um a friendly face that somebody sees if they're in trouble that they'll say, "Hey, I know this officer." Um, another thing that the young lady

288
01:24:09.760 --> 01:24:26.159
was talking about is having something to do here in this community for the youth. I don't feel like taking my kids to Atlantic City all the time to go to the wreck or to Pleasantville to the wreck or to their pal or to carpet township pal. Like there's something that we should create here. There was this place was full of people when we're talking

289
01:24:26.159 --> 01:24:42.960
about Amazon. But let's talk about a community center for the kids. Let's talk about something indoor for the kids. If it's if it's cold outside, if it's snowing, if it's a storm or raining, like where is it somewhere beside their homes playing video games? Like let's do like board games. Let's bring back something like from back in

290
01:24:42.960 --> 01:24:59.360
the day where kids can come together and have the committee people faces, have the police presence, have adults who are friendly faces that they can see, that they can feel comfortable with. It I said this before, it takes a village. Let's be that village for our community.

291
01:24:59.360 --> 01:25:22.719
Thank you guys so much. >> Thank you. Hi, Alita Graham from Kaba Avenue. I have lived in this community for my entire life. I'm in my 60s now, so that's a very long time. I grew up in

292
01:25:22.719 --> 01:25:39.920
Laureldale when I had to ride my bicycle to War Memorial Park and leave it there to catch a bus to go to the Shore Mall to do any shopping. Our playground was that little rocky thing at uh on Hickory Street down where the soccer fields are now where the

293
01:25:39.920 --> 01:25:55.520
broken swing set. We've come a long way. I've lived on Paddock Street when the racetrack was vibrant. I had a lot of activity. I know exactly what goes on. I lived here before the Leapy Fields. I've

294
01:25:55.520 --> 01:26:12.239
been uh brought up through the school system here. I pretty much know every inch of this township and a lot of the people that are within it. For me, um, when the Hamilton Mall came here, that was a long fight. A long fight. And I

295
01:26:12.239 --> 01:26:29.120
had prayed that I would get there before I left high school. It didn't happen until afterward. Of course, I was there the first day because it was a big fight. It was it was grand. Um, now it's sad to see it the way that it is. We now have Amazon

296
01:26:29.120 --> 01:26:45.679
There are a lot of people I think that are just afraid because they don't know the details. They don't know what to expect um having been here and been involved in this all of these things, being at these committee meetings all the time,

297
01:26:45.679 --> 01:27:03.520
learning the facts, learning what is really happening with regard to this project. um the blight, having the reduction in the ratables, knowing what it takes for the municipality to run and what your responsibility is up there to

298
01:27:03.520 --> 01:27:21.040
the people to the tax taxpayers here. Um it I I I am very very happy to see Amazon coming in and I wish them all their success because that's better for us and I

299
01:27:21.040 --> 01:27:57.600
congratulate you all for your bipartisan efforts to see that through fruition and I can't wait to see what comes out of it. That's all I got. >> Thank you. My name is Keith Prince. I live at 4600

300
01:27:57.600 --> 01:28:14.960
Paddock Street, Maze Landing. I also am the president of the Maze Landing Merchants Association. Uh, Maze Landing is a great town to live in. Uh, my family, I've raised my whole family here. Um, our township committee, I believe that you have the best interest of our community at heart. I believe

301
01:28:14.960 --> 01:28:31.520
that you guys are always going to try to do the right thing and I understand how difficult it can be to balance all these different functions. I truly understand that. Uh, as far as you guys, the Mazeanding Merchants Association at Hometown Celebration, we had free rides,

302
01:28:31.520 --> 01:28:47.600
free video games. I had video trucks come. Uh we had an issue with the weather. Everybody cancelled uh last minute. They wanted us not to run the event. We still ran the event. And like everybody had said, everybody on township committee showed up and they

303
01:28:47.600 --> 01:29:03.600
show up. You know, Eric's been very instrumental in our town, our community, helping with education, working with the uh school board, etc. There's not a person in our township committee or our police force that doesn't have our best

304
01:29:03.600 --> 01:29:21.040
interests at heart. I'm only alive today because of the hard work and dedication from our police force and our EMS. Um, so Maze Landing is true to my heart. Okay. So, as far as the uh project at

305
01:29:21.040 --> 01:29:37.679
the racetrack, the residents of Paddock Street would like to be more involved and to have a better understanding how that's going to affect Paddock Street because we very rarely get a lot of traffic going down Paddock Street by design. And so, when we hear that you're

306
01:29:37.679 --> 01:29:52.800
going to be open up our street and there's going to have to be traffic lights and all that kind of stuff, it dramatically changes the scenery. I'm 550 feet from the street. It's not going to affect me like it's going to affect my other neighbors. I have a gentleman

307
01:29:52.800 --> 01:30:08.560
that has a log cabin. He just bought it, paid half a million dollars for the house. Bob built it by hand. Now, that's going to dramatically affect him and his quality of life. Um, that's a problem. I don't know how many trucks are going to

308
01:30:08.560 --> 01:30:25.440
be coming by there. Is there going to be a time frame in which they're coming by? Are you going to allow tractor trailers going down that road? If you are, we never had that before. You know, when my children were growing up, they'd ride their bicycles up and down Paddic Street. We never had to worry about it.

309
01:30:25.440 --> 01:30:40.000
Now, we're going to have to change and worry about it. And I understand you got to pay bills. And I understand that there's development that you want to grow. That's why I didn't put much of a push against the Amazon aspect of it. But you're dramatically changing our

310
01:30:40.000 --> 01:30:55.840
environment and I'm going to have to look at that and say, do I want to live on Paddock Street anymore or where is there another place that I can buy? And then are you going to help me make my property available where I'm not losing money? Because if there's going to be

311
01:30:55.840 --> 01:31:12.960
trucks going through there, I just lost 100,000 or more in value on my property. But as far as my propert is concerned, it all the wildlife in the area come to my neighborhood, come to my street, come to my front yard, you know, I have so

312
01:31:12.960 --> 01:31:29.760
many deer, 15, 20 deer every day, every morning, every at dawn and dusk. I've got turtles, I got frogs, I've got everything. When it rains a lot, my front pond fills up and I get turtles and frogs. You know, all that kind of stuff is going to be a problem. you're

313
01:31:29.760 --> 01:31:46.159
going to start getting hit by trucks because you're going to have traffic going by there. The deer cross there all the time. Tell my children, you know, you got to be careful going down the road because depending on what time of the day, what time of the year, we have a lot of wildlife.

314
01:31:46.159 --> 01:32:04.000
So, that's an issue. Uh, like I said, Hamilton Township's a great town to live in. We have great people. And uh we would like to as a president of the merchants association provide more opportunities and I'm sure working with the police force um you know national

315
01:32:04.000 --> 01:32:20.000
night out is fantastic and the township and police force has done a great job with that every single year and has grown exponentially. So but thank you for your time and I'd like to like you said keep keeping me in the loop. let me know what we're looking

316
01:32:20.000 --> 01:32:43.920
at traffic-wise because I know the neighbors really want to know. Thank you very much everybody. >> Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Ramon Mora Jr. live in violin. Um I used to live at Evergreen. I used to live at Timberland. Um I I get why you guys gave them a

317
01:32:43.920 --> 01:32:58.719
pilot program and I'm not arguing against the warehouse. Um although in a way I am I know that that was that was another time another council meeting today was about the pilot. Um you know you guys keep citing this you know 750

318
01:32:58.719 --> 01:33:15.120
jobs. I don't think you guys want anything bad to happen to your township but understand and I don't think you guys are necessarily bad innately bad. Um but I do think that this decision was a bad uh decision to to uh make uh 750

319
01:33:15.120 --> 01:33:31.760
jobs. 300 of those 750 jobs are going to be construction jobs. Did I Did I hear that correct? >> Additional. >> Additional. >> Additional. Okay. All right. And then the pilot program is supposed to be for about 29 years. Um, with the tech going the way it's going, who knows if they're

320
01:33:31.760 --> 01:33:48.960
going to even have all those 750 jobs. I'm seeing it in Carney's Point. Okay, moving on. The Woodlands and the Timberland apartments that you have around that area. Um, I used to see this eyes sore every day sitting on on the

321
01:33:48.960 --> 01:34:05.040
back of my porch uh living at Timberlenn. It's also an eyesore to see a warehouse sticking out in into the into the middle of the the racetrack area. That's also going to be an eyesore. If your if your

322
01:34:05.040 --> 01:34:21.199
argument's oh well it's an isore now it's not only going to be an eyesore it's going to be a uh negative effect when it's operating 247 to those same communities which woodlands if I'm not mistaken is not necessarily known for

323
01:34:21.199 --> 01:34:37.760
being the most wealthiest neighborhood. I'm assuming none of you guys live in the area. Just going to take that assumption. You don't have to answer. you guys decided to give a tax break to a trillion dollar company

324
01:34:37.760 --> 01:34:54.239
who who is not going to be responsible, I'm assuming, with this with this um agreement, for the damages that they're going to do to the roads surrounding the area or the infrastructure. Is that correct? Is that in is that in the deal? I'm not

325
01:34:54.239 --> 01:35:10.639
sure. >> What do you mean? So the increase of uh trailers, the increase of vehicles, heavy vehicles on roads crossing the Hamilton Mall and that type of area, those roads are also going to be affected as they come and go and as they

326
01:35:10.639 --> 01:35:27.040
ship all these all these other places. Was the maintenance on the roads of those roads that extend from the warehouse was take was that taken into consideration at all on this agreement? >> Yes. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. because that's that's usually not an easy fix and they usually

327
01:35:27.040 --> 01:35:42.400
don't pay for it. The taxpayers pay for it and that's millions of dollars to repave these roads. It's it's it is a very cost. >> Well, they are they are paying to upgrade Leap Zigg >> all the way to 322. >> Yeah. >> Changing that intersection. That's all off-site work that they're responsible for.

328
01:35:42.400 --> 01:35:59.040
>> Yeah. Their their area. I'm talking about the areas that extend beyond that because they're not just going to drive on that road. >> You don't they they're going to pay the pilot. >> Okay. Okay. that pilot money is going to have to go to paying for those roads. Which is why I'm saying if you had not given them a tax break, you guys would

329
01:35:59.040 --> 01:36:15.040
have had or the county would have had more money in their coffers because Amazon can afford it. They're a trillion dollar company like I mentioned, right? If there's space, if there's cheap land, if there's a customer base, they're going to be there. And basically, again, I'm not saying you guys are bad people,

330
01:36:15.040 --> 01:36:30.400
but I do think there's a bad deal. You guys sold out the people who live right there in the in in the neighborhoods. >> Do Do you live here? >> Hm. >> Do you live here? >> He lives in I used to live here for about Do you live here now? >> I do not.

331
01:36:30.400 --> 01:36:46.800
>> I do not. I do business in the area. >> I just wanted to know. >> Yeah, absolutely. I I do business in the area. What happened to the Hamilton Mall is absolutely devastating. I spent a lot of my high school time spending like a lot because again, violin didn't have anything to do. Community centers are very important. Um, I used to go out to

332
01:36:46.800 --> 01:37:04.080
the Hamilton Mall to spend my weekend. So, I understand why you guys >> brought Amazon to town. But you guys have to also understand what you guys also did. >> Okay. >> Did you Did you get a chance to read what was on the township website? >> I read um a lot of Carl's I didn't know

333
01:37:04.080 --> 01:37:20.560
it was uh comments and posts on on Facebook. >> Right. You should go to the township website because we have broke down everything >> very factual. >> Sure. and it'll probably give you more insight on some of the things that you keep wording or how you're saying it.

334
01:37:20.560 --> 01:37:35.840
So, I think you should read it, you know, you know, take that into consideration. >> Absolutely. I will. Um, what I do know is that they would have pro they would have paid more money if it was just the uh amount of money that was after improvements had there not been a pilot.

335
01:37:35.840 --> 01:37:52.159
A pilot programs are great for bringing community events, community businesses um for smaller businesses. You don't need to be giving them to trillion dollar companies. That's that's that's all. And again, I don't think you guys have ill ill will towards your township, but that's what you guys did. The the

336
01:37:52.159 --> 01:38:17.760
people of of Woodlands, which I have people who live there, friends, and I used to live at Evergreen for 3 years. I would not have wanted that in my backyard. That's >> Thank you. >> Still Belgium just scored. So, we really want to see this again. Okay. It's one nothing Belgium. I just saw this. U My

337
01:38:17.760 --> 01:38:34.960
name's Roy Foster. I live in Maze Landing. >> Been involved in your project working with this Suncap. They met my office two and a half, three years ago. It's been a lot of work. It's I know you said people came out this last day to throw bombs at you, but I just want to say great job to all five of you. Thank you.

338
01:38:34.960 --> 01:39:03.520
>> Thank you. Good evening. My name is City. I live at 4600 Street. I've lived there my whole life. I'm 19 years old. I understand that's quite young considering, but still, I've lived there my whole life. And I just want to say very respectfully, please reconsider your

339
01:39:03.520 --> 01:39:19.600
decision. I'm very concerned about the state of our wildlife and our natural resources that we have. I've loved growing up in these landing my whole time. I'm an Eagle Scout. I grew up outside in the woods and I just

340
01:39:19.600 --> 01:39:36.080
absolutely love the resources that we have and I'm so concerned that we're going to use those. So, please respectfully, I urge you to reconsider your decision. And I'd like to leave you with this. If you're so convinced that Amazon will be good neighbors as you

341
01:39:36.080 --> 01:40:07.760
said before. Would you guys be willing to live right across the street from them? Thank you. >> Good evening. Uh my name is Christopher Reali. or live over in Violins. Um, I actually did not have anything scripted

342
01:40:07.760 --> 01:40:24.400
at and or expect to come up and address you all tonight, but like so many people who attended this meeting tonight. Um, were obviously very passionate where they live. Um, I also agree that the deal that was made to have Amazon

343
01:40:24.400 --> 01:40:38.639
put roots down here, it was a mistake. Um, I understand the reason why you chose to do so with the finances, but the people who showed up tonight clearly care. They enjoy what they do here. They

344
01:40:38.639 --> 01:40:55.600
live here. Um, but I think it's telling the specific demographic that applauded the decision for Amazon to settle down here. um the youth and I'm very glad that uh these two young women here um

345
01:40:55.600 --> 01:41:12.400
brought up the fact that their children and the youth um throughout South Jersey to be honest have very little to do. Um they are expected to go to school. They may have extracurricular activities and maybe holiday events or what have you.

346
01:41:12.400 --> 01:41:27.520
For the most part, I think it's an service or justice rather that the youth don't have as many liberties or free things to do in the area. Um, with Amazon touching down, yes, the Hamilton

347
01:41:27.520 --> 01:41:43.280
wall uh back in its prime, I'm sure, did very well. It brought a sense of community. It allowed people to spend time there, to spend money, to get the community group together, for people to have enjoyed time together with one

348
01:41:43.280 --> 01:42:00.000
another. Uh, prior to that, Councilman Eric, you mentioned you being a lifelong resident here that the racetrack, I'm sure, in its prime glory before the casinos touched down in city brought that same community that allowed people

349
01:42:00.000 --> 01:42:14.560
to interact with one another. And I feel like that is something that is truly lacking or receding rather, especially the younger generation. I Imagine what the youth are going through in elementary and high school

350
01:42:14.560 --> 01:42:32.400
now. But back when I was getting through high school, that's when Facebook, Insta, all that was coming through. And the reality that the youth are growing up in is entirely different from my own and the five of you as well. Um, another

351
01:42:32.400 --> 01:42:49.040
point I wanted to make, um, is that I graduated from ACC 10 years back, went to Stockton. I'm a registered nurse in Atlanta here at City. I've been there for almost 10 years now. And one of the

352
01:42:49.040 --> 01:43:06.480
hardest demographics that we have to treat are the substance abuse, the homeless, um the alcoholism and the uh those that are affected by opioids both legal and illicit. Um I want you

353
01:43:06.480 --> 01:43:23.760
especially um council tracing is probably point that you would anticipate in holding Amazon fully accountable and I encourage you all to do that but in real time because um one of the uh projects I needed to

354
01:43:23.760 --> 01:43:39.920
complete with Stockton prior to graduating was book report and it was on a book I forget the author but uh it was called doick and I learned a lot with the um the service that big pharma had done the turn of the century the 90s

355
01:43:39.920 --> 01:43:58.000
early 2000s um the way they marketed their uh painkillers and whatnot. It was highly profitable for them but at the same time it destroyed not entire generation but affected countless families. Um they lost plenty

356
01:43:58.000 --> 01:44:15.199
of loved ones through addiction and overdoses. Um, I'm not saying that's what's going to happen obviously with Amazon area, but I want you all to not just hold Amazon accountable through annual financial reports, what have you, but in

357
01:44:15.199 --> 01:44:30.480
real time and trend the good and the bad that they are bringing to the community and not wait till, you know, I guess too many negative things have occurred or it gets to a point where you now have

358
01:44:30.480 --> 01:44:46.080
numerous fires that you're dealing with. I don't want to see that happen to the people in the area. Um, and again, I didn't not the best public speaker. I'm not just a nurse. I am a nurse, but I

359
01:44:46.080 --> 01:45:01.600
also want you to take care of your community in the positions that you are all in the way that I am expected to do working bedside. Um, yes, the doctors come in for five, 10 minutes, but at the end of

360
01:45:01.600 --> 01:45:20.320
the day, the 12 plus hour shifts that I pull. I'm interacting with these people minute by minute and I can trend the good and the bad and escalate when things are warranted. So I would encourage you all to I know my time is up but keep that pulse in real time with

361
01:45:20.320 --> 01:45:44.000
Amazon and really make sure they are held accountable and they listen to and look after your >> Thank you. My name is Justin violin yada yada yada. I'll keep my comments brief uh in the

362
01:45:44.000 --> 01:46:00.000
interest of time. Uh in my opinion uh the decision made tonight was not in the interest of this township. Uh you guys were given a choice between Amazon and uh Paddock Streak. I side with Paddock Street. Unfortunately, that was not the decision

363
01:46:00.000 --> 01:46:16.159
that was made tonight. Uh I had worked on a number of maps uh in my time in the public sector. A number of the worst intersections and most trafficy intersections, most dangerous intersections are located in the McKe City area uh by the Hamilton Mall. So

364
01:46:16.159 --> 01:46:31.520
again, please make sure you've done your due diligence with Amazon. Amazon has proven time and time and time and time again that they are not uh consistent in keeping their promises to communities. Just look at what they did in Bessemer, Alabama. Just look at the union busing they did in Staten Island. Look,

365
01:46:31.520 --> 01:46:47.199
anywhere you go, they have not been good to their workers. They have not been good to their community partners. Why you would invite them into Hamilton Township, I do not know. I do think you guys are, in your opinion, trying to make the best decision for your town. I don't think you're trying to hurt your

366
01:46:47.199 --> 01:47:03.679
town. The reality is is that inviting a corporation such as Amazon here is that is that's what that's going to do. So now that you've made this decision, you owe it to your residents to make sure that they are included in this process. That they get to ask Amazon, not just you guys, Amazon, the officials that are

367
01:47:03.679 --> 01:47:20.080
building this complex these questions to have their grievances is answered, addressed, and made sure that they are accountable to this plan that you have put forth with them. However, do not expect them to adhere to it, and be ready to pull the plug when the time

368
01:47:20.080 --> 01:47:44.560
comes. That's the best advice I can give you. Uh I pray for uh Route 40 and your other uh arteries because they're about to get much more traffic and get way higher on that list. Good night. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, greetings. Hello again. I want

369
01:47:44.560 --> 01:48:00.320
to say that when you voted, you all voted very quickly and you also began explaining why you voted that way immediately. That tells me that you feel guilt. If you feel guilt about your decision, I

370
01:48:00.320 --> 01:48:16.239
ask you to reflect. 29 years of tax cuts for a trillion dollar company is not a good deal. Will you be alive? You're smirking. What will the next generation have? What are you

371
01:48:16.239 --> 01:48:33.520
leaving them? A a warehouse that is going to pollute water, push wildlife into just destroy. Amazon destroys. That's all they do. It is important to be mindful of these things. And like the other community

372
01:48:33.520 --> 01:48:50.239
member, I ask you to reconsider reconsider this pilot. And you spoke of Vinand saying that they're out of town. And the reason that violent is here is because they care about their community and because they are organized. Atlanta County is getting organized as

373
01:48:50.239 --> 01:49:06.239
well. People are watching your decisions, what you're doing, your elected officials, but if you do not do the will of the public, you will no longer be elected. Be mindful. Listen to your constituents.

374
01:49:06.239 --> 01:49:21.119
And you need to make sure that you are giving this information and dispersing it to the public everywhere. People were not aware of this pilot or the extent of it. Again, 29 years. And you say that it's going to benefit the

375
01:49:21.119 --> 01:49:37.040
public. But what was it? $3 million a year. >> Yes. >> Just under. >> Just under. Okay. So if we compare this data center to the one in Westert, not data center, Amazon center to the one in

376
01:49:37.040 --> 01:49:53.679
Westert and we look at the property itself, they are pulling in property taxes, it could be up to 4 million. Have you looked into that? Have you compared this project to the one in West? >> Absolutely. >> So why why why

377
01:49:53.679 --> 01:50:08.480
would you think that this pilot is the best decision if you're saying that you did your research when it is clearly not? that that's your opinion. >> No, it's the math. There's a difference between math and data and opinion. And if you're saying that you did your due

378
01:50:08.480 --> 01:50:24.880
diligence, do not just eat what Amazon's feeding you. They will exploit the community. So again, consider these things. This 29-year pilot agreement is unacceptable. I really do ask that you reconsider. Like there has to be something to be

379
01:50:24.880 --> 01:50:49.520
done. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. HI, MY NAME IS JARED Prince and I live in Maze Landing. Um, I just want to say I want you all to think about the groundwater that these 18-wheelers will

380
01:50:49.520 --> 01:51:06.239
contaminate. Now you're going to have to buy bottles. I want you to think about the sidewalk that they're installing in front of the Davy School so kids can walk to school that they'll no longer walk once they get mowed over by an 18-wheeler. I want you to think of the potholes that you'll bend your wheels on

381
01:51:06.239 --> 01:51:23.520
because of the degradation of the roads because this only seems to bother you when it directly affects you guys. Um, I think it's hilarious that you believe that Amazon, the fifth most the the fifth highest valued company in the world that I know

382
01:51:23.520 --> 01:51:38.800
of. Um, I think it's hilarious. You think you will be able to hold them accountable with the amount of money that they can throw at lawyers and, you know, just Okay, that's a great joke. Tell me another. Um,

383
01:51:38.800 --> 01:51:57.760
you've lost all my respect. Um, and I think I could speak for many of us when I say that I you have none of my trust. I don't believe anything that you say that you that you regurgitate that Amazon feeds you. Um, many of the people

384
01:51:57.760 --> 01:52:12.719
out here have made great points that you will sit there and you'll nod and you'll go and then you just vote yes anyway. You don't seem to think about any of us. It only affects you when it's in your own backyard. So, I would love for you to go

385
01:52:12.719 --> 01:52:29.119
move out to the woodlands uh and watch the Amazon facility be built there and the trees get knocked down and ground up and the roads be they improve them once, right? But what happens after the first winter? We start get potholes. People

386
01:52:29.119 --> 01:52:46.719
start cracking their wheels and they're spending money that they do not have because that is a lower income area. I I know that. Uh if you are ever out in that area, I I think you would know, too. But again, it's not in your backyard. So,

387
01:52:46.719 --> 01:53:02.560
you lost my respect. I don't trust you. I I don't think a lot of us trust you. So, that's what I got to say. Just think about that. Think about it. If you would want it in your backyard, would it still be there? Because I bet my paycheck that

388
01:53:02.560 --> 01:53:17.599
it would not. You wouldn't want it in your backyard. Would you want it in your backyard? Would you want it in your backyard? Carl, would you want it in your backyard? Eric, I know you were part of the school board for many years. I always thought you did what I thought

389
01:53:17.599 --> 01:53:34.239
was the right thing. Uh, you looked out for the the children that went through our schools. Uh, is all the the environmental pollution. There's all the smog from all the semis driving through. Is that what's going to be good for the kids that are out there playing in those soccer fields? they're out there playing

390
01:53:34.239 --> 01:53:48.960
baseball. Is that what's going to be good for them? I I don't mean to call you out in particular, but I'm just that's what comes to my head. Um, so just consider that. Sleep on that. I know I can go home and I could sleep

391
01:53:48.960 --> 01:54:20.560
easy, but I I if I did what you did tonight, I don't think I could. Have a good night. Okay. So, hi. I'm I'm Maya again. Back up. Um, I did want to say just a couple of things. One, I want to go back and um I I heard they're addressing about the

392
01:54:20.560 --> 01:54:35.440
data center and something about Facebook. Um, my fear for a data center isn't from Facebook. My fear from a data center is from working in violin and talking to my students and teachers who live around it and the train wreck that that is. That's my fear. So didn't come

393
01:54:35.440 --> 01:54:52.239
from Facebook. It was always there. So that aside, um I know one of the things that everyone was speaking about is that we have the mall is run down, the racetrack is run down, we have all these eyes and what we are getting a lot of in our area is dispensaries and liquor

394
01:54:52.239 --> 01:55:08.000
stores. So, why are we not getting anything else out here? Because anything that I have to do, um, I have to either go up towards Cherry Hill or I'm heading down towards North area. We have literally nothing in

395
01:55:08.000 --> 01:55:25.679
our town. So, what is being done? Cuz we can't play at Amazon, right? Um, what other types of businesses are we attracting in here? we don't have anything for the adults really to do either. Um, you know, outside of the

396
01:55:25.679 --> 01:55:42.080
kids and it wasn't that way. I raised my kids here. I've owned my property I think since I was 19. So, and I'm 51 now. And the township has gradually changed for the worse. The mall has

397
01:55:42.080 --> 01:55:58.719
fallen, right? I worked in that mall for years. Who is holding them accountable for doing that? It's not, oh, well, malls don't exist anymore because I've gone to the defert mall and Cherry Hill Mall and they're doing just fine. So, it it comes to the point where what else are we doing? Okay, so you have the

398
01:55:58.719 --> 01:56:14.800
Amazon here. What else are we going to do? If he wants to drop an Amazon here, bring your Whole Foods here, too. Like, what else are we doing to bring other things into our community so it's not a bunch of liquor stores and a Walmart and dispensaries because that's what we have

399
01:56:14.800 --> 01:56:32.239
right now. And there's not a lot more going on. Anything else that has to be done, you have to leave Maze Landing to do it. So, if you're going to bring this Amazon, which it it's looking like it's on its way, then let's talk about getting the things that I have to go to Cherry Hill and Mount Laura and all the

400
01:56:32.239 --> 01:56:53.760
other spots to get because we're getting all this money and let's bring all this stuff in. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Motion to close. >> Second. >> Have a motion in a second. All those in favor? >> I have it.

401
01:56:53.760 --> 01:57:08.480
>> Um, no executive session. So, >> motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> I have a motion in a second. All those in favor? I >> I >> thank