Churchill residents voice concerns with proposed development at former Westinghouse site

More than three dozen Churchill residents attended a public hearing to express concerns about a proposed mixed-use development at the former Westinghouse Research & Technology Park site. The community had previously protested against Amazon's plans for a distribution center at the same location in 2021, which ultimately led to a lawsuit and Amazon withdrawing its application in 2022. Nicole DeLuca of Commonwealth Commercial Real Estate, the property owner and developer, outlined plans for a walkable mixed-use development that would include two grocery stores, a gas station, a medical facility, an early childhood education center, and various restaurants and retail locations. DeLuca explicitly stated, "We have absolutely no plans for data centers," emphasizing the goal to create a community-friendly space. Residents, including Cathy Bordner and Sandra Fox, criticized the draft ordinance for weak language concerning stormwater management and traffic, and for improperly categorizing data centers alongside server farms with differing zoning permissions. Concerns were also raised about the planned demolition of existing historic structures and the removal of trees, which residents fear could exacerbate flooding, recalling the 2004 Hurricane Ivan incident. The Churchill Borough Council is set to vote on the draft ordinance at its upcoming meeting.