Chillicothe chamber of commerce calls for data center framework
The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce urged the city to adopt guidance for future data center developments, including independent reviews of water, noise and power impacts and limits on water use. The recommendations follow the city’s rescission of a data center moratorium and the planned Alignment Engine project at the former paper mill.
The Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce asked Chillicothe officials to establish early guidelines for future data center projects. In a letter to Planning Commission chair Jeff Carman and an address to City Council, Chamber President and CEO Mike Throne proposed independent reviews of water, noise and power impacts, water-use limits, penalties for exceeding city standards and developer responsibility for construction-related infrastructure damage.
The Chamber said its recommendations were intended to guide responsible future growth rather than address a specific active proposal. The request comes after Chillicothe rescinded a data center moratorium on Sept. 14, clearing a path for an Alignment Engine data center planned at the city’s former paper mill site. Alignment Engine has said it will comply with city legislation, seek no property tax incentives and use no more power or water than the former mill.