The discussion around the proposed warehouse was the most heated topic of the evening. Various residents voiced their concerns and support for the project during the public comment segment. Elizabeth McKinnon from White Township and local resident Sandet were among those opposing the zoning of the Howard Street property for industrial use. McKinnon argued that the narrow streets could not accommodate warehouse trucks, posing a danger to children and pedestrians. Sandet emphasized the negative impact on the quality of life and health of nearby residents, particularly those on Mercer Street, and expressed plans to challenge the ordinance if it were passed.

In contrast, Joe Miner, a Phillipsburg resident, and Robert Hopkins, president of the Warren County Building Trades, supported the warehouse project. Miner highlighted the economic struggles of some residents, noting that the warehouse could provide much-needed jobs. Hopkins framed the project as a means to create local employment opportunities and reduce the necessity for long-distance commuting.

One of the most compelling arguments against the warehouse came from David Moret, who raised concerns about job sustainability in the face of automation. He argued that the proposed zoning contradicted the town’s master plan, which restricts new zoning in the area to residential, commercial, and open space uses. Moret’s concerns were echoed by another resident who emphasized the need for the town to focus on future job markets rather than outdated 20th-century models.

The debate also touched on the financial burdens the town has faced due to ongoing legal disputes related to the project. One speaker highlighted that the lawsuit had cost the town over $4 million in lost tax revenue and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. This speaker emphasized the need for more crossing guards to enhance children’s safety, arguing that funds spent on legal fees could be redirected to community safety initiatives.

Council members were also divided on the issue. One member strongly advocated for the warehouse, emphasizing the high poverty rate in Phillipsburg and the need for job creation. Another member, while acknowledging the need for development, raised concerns about the unknown tenant of the proposed warehouse and the lack of information about whether rail would be utilized for transportation.

The meeting also addressed other significant local development and property issues. A proposed grocery store and a long-term tax exemption for an urban renewal project on Marshall Street drew mixed reactions. Joe Miner voiced his opposition to the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program, arguing that it often results in financial losses for the town, while expressing support for the grocery store as a fitting development for the area. The council noted the involvement of a financial consultant who assessed the project’s viability, asserting that a long-term tax exemption was necessary for the project to proceed due to “razor thin” profit margins.

Public safety and community welfare were recurring themes throughout the meeting. A resident from South Main Street inquired about budget allocations for sidewalk and street repairs, emphasizing the need for better maintenance. Concerns were also raised about truck traffic on Roseberry Street and the cleanliness of areas surrounding businesses, with residents calling for more garbage cans and better enforcement of cleanliness standards.

The council discussed the upcoming Railroad Festival, which was expected to be an event with high community engagement. Promotional materials for the festival had reached over 100,000 views, and preparations were underway, including decorative elements being added to the train station.

In new business, a council member proposed replacing outdated street lamps with new LED lights in dark areas to enhance public safety. This initiative had already been addressed in a prior meeting.

The meeting also featured discussions on public safety concerns related to fast-moving battery-powered bikes on sidewalks and the enforcement of parking regulations. Residents expressed frustration with the pace of progress on these issues, with council members acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing ongoing efforts to address them.