Let's talk about job creation in Newark

Traffic was backed up through Newark as I was trying to make my way to the George Wilson Community Center to learn about this proposed Data Center. I soon discovered that the reason for the traffic was the public hearing for the Data Center.

More than 300 people packed into the room to listen, ask, and discuss this proposed new venture.

I learned several things that evening, including:

• The Data Center, LLC wants to build a state-of-the-art facility to provide customers with consistent, reliable service
• The facility would be built on 43 acres of land that was previously part of the Chrysler Plant
• Building the facility would create approximately 5,000 trade jobs
• Maintaining the business would create an additional 290 jobs
• The average salary for these jobs is $63,000
• Another 300 jobs from facility vendors and on site consultants and personnel will be created
• The Data Center, LLC is a veteran-owned business committed to hiring men and women who have served our country

Of course, there were more than a few questions that evening - you can click here to access a complete list of the questions and answers from that meeting.

Standing Room Only at the George Wilson Center on September 3

Since that meeting, though, I've heard rumors, speculations, and rather interesting accusations thrown around. 

It is my hope that this site will provide a place for reasonable dialog on this proposal.

You see, there's an awful lot at stake here - more than the jobs and turning a brownfield into a productive center - if this project is sidelined, we could lose out on many, many opportunities in the future.

In the coming weeks, I plan to speak with local residents, environmentalists, union leaders, and others about this proposed project and post their views and insights here.

In the meantime, if you want to express your support for this project, please click here and sign the petition supporting the creation of hundreds of jobs in Newark.