Public opposition centered on ordinance number 2025-9, which proposes to prohibit substance use counseling and treatment centers from the B2 Zone, while permitting them in the B3 Zone and other areas. Many community members expressed strong opposition, arguing that the change would isolate individuals in need of support services. Sheila Hand, who shared her personal tragedy of losing her daughter Elizabeth to endocarditis linked to drug use, spoke compellingly about the potential life-saving impact of harm reduction centers. Hand emphasized that accessible services like clean needle programs could prevent similar tragedies and reduce community health risks.

David Antoy, landlord of the South Jersey Alliance (SJA), further stressed the importance of zoning policies that accommodate nonprofit services, emphasizing their critical role in community support. He called for clarification on zoning implications for nonprofits, asserting the need for their presence within the city. Teresa Anderson added to the discourse by highlighting inconsistencies in the ordinance, noting that while it restricts treatment centers, it allows businesses like adult bookstores and pawn shops. Anderson argued that this distinction perpetuates stigma against those with substance use issues and urged the council to reject the ordinance.

Several speakers, including Stephanie Engle, a school social worker, and Leanne Upshaw, a community member, warned of the detrimental effects the ordinance could have on mental health services. Engle highlighted the community’s reliance on accessible mental health support, which would be compromised if services were relocated to less accessible areas. Upshaw underscored the vital personal connections fostered in mental health practices, stating these relationships are important for healing and care.

The council also heard from Carolyn Rush, who shared her own experiences with mental health and substance abuse issues. Rush advocated for maintaining services provided by South Jersey Aid Alliance, emphasizing that relocating them to the city outskirts would hinder access for those who rely on them. She stressed the importance of helping individuals with substance abuse disorders, noting that services are essential for their survival.

Concerns were also raised regarding the language used in the ordinances, with several speakers urging the council to adopt person-first language to avoid stigmatizing individuals with substance use disorders. Calls for more respectful terminology were made to shape community perceptions positively and improve treatment approaches.

The council responded to these concerns by continuing public hearings on specific ordinances, with a motion to continue the hearing on ordinance number 2025-9 scheduled for March 11, 2025. Additionally, a motion to reconsider ordinance number 2025-10 due to previous technical issues was unanimously supported, reopening public hearings on the matter.

In other business, the council recognized the retirement of two long-serving city employees, Laura Gilroy and Keith Petroski, both effective March 1, 2025. The council extended gratitude for their dedication and service. New municipal officials Richard Franchett and Maryann Wolf were sworn in.

Ordinances concerning city employee classification and compensation plans were also discussed. Ordinance number 2025-13, which involves the transfer of industrial property to the Vineland Industrial Commission, received unanimous approval. The council also introduced new ordinances related to employee compensation, with public hearings set for March 11, 2025.