Akron officials puzzle over how to map out data centers' future here
Akron officials are developing a new ordinance to regulate data center development in the city, aiming to address community concerns regarding electricity, water consumption, and noise pollution. The proposed zoning change would require data centers to obtain conditional use approval, allowing the city to evaluate each project individually. The Akron Planning Commission is set to consider the ordinance on July 10, before it proceeds to the City Council for a vote.
Akron, Ohio, is actively working on a new ordinance to govern data center operations and development within the city. Planning Director Kyle Julien stated that current regulations are insufficient, prompting the administration to craft legislation that would integrate data centers into the zoning code as a specific land use requiring conditional use approval. This process would enable the city to assess each proposed data center project on its individual merits.
The initiative comes in response to community concerns about data centers' potential negative impacts, including strain on the local electric grid, heavy water consumption, effects on the sanitary sewer system, and noise pollution. However, deputy service director Jeff Bronowski also highlighted potential benefits such as job creation, utility infrastructure investments, and economic development. He emphasized that a detailed evaluation of each proposal is preferable to a moratorium, which would signal Akron is