McDonald residents address council over data center concerns

Residents of McDonald, Ohio, packed a recent village council meeting to voice their concerns about a proposed data center development by Apex. The project, slated for the former McDonald steel factory site, has been a topic of discussion for the past 18 months. Unlike some neighboring communities, McDonald has not yet enacted a moratorium on data centers, which prompted a large turnout from residents eager to participate in the decision-making process for their village.

Attendees, filling the room beyond capacity, expressed worries about potential public health and safety risks associated with a data center. While not universally opposed to economic development or technology, residents emphasized the need to ensure any development is safe for citizens and preserves the community's unique character. One resident highlighted that "big industry tends to weigh against that" unique personality, suggesting a moratorium could buy time for further re-evaluation.

Mayor Ray Lewis addressed the council and residents, stating that it is the company's responsibility to present their plans to the community. He confirmed ongoing communication with Apex, encouraging them to outline what they intend to submit to the village. A public meeting is scheduled for September 15th, though specific details have not yet been released, where these matters will be further discussed with residents.