Some thoughts on the Oct. 28 Newark City Council meeting

Several people came out to the Newark City Council meeting Monday night - and while there were nine items on the agenda, it was clear that most were there to discuss the proposed Data Center on the University of Delaware STAR Campus.

It would appear that many who are opposed to this job-creating, community-enhancing, environmentally sound plan are either making assumptions based on out-dated notions or are intentiionally trying to mislead their neighbors.

Fortunately, I found out about a new web site that is packed with accurate information about this project - I spent hours going over the material there and I highly recommend this as an excellent resource - click here to see Delaware Jobs Now

Here's just a sample from the site:

Just the Facts

• This state-of-the-art data center design will be used as a model facility for many others going forward.

• Over 5,000 local union-construction jobs will be generated to construct the facilities.

• Approximately 640 permanent jobs will be brought Newark.

• The average position would earn $63,000/year with benefits.

• The site is currently a brownfield, and will be cleaned and redeveloped.

• Pollution controls, noise dampeners, energy certifications, and building codes will exceed all federal, state, and local standards.

• The initial permit taxes and fees would off-set much of the projected tax hikes in Newark.

• The projected yearly property tax for the Christina School District would be equivalent to a referendum of more than an additional 9 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

• The projected yearly property tax for the City of Newark would completely offset the cost of the City’s proposed water rate hike, storm-sewer fee, AND court security fee.