Mayor declares data center DOA, EnergiAcres says it welcomes dialogue

EnergiAcres, represented by chief legal advisor Dilshad Kasmani and co-founder Shawn Cutter, is proposing to build a data center and power plant on 600-700 acres of farmland in Franklin Township, northern Richland County, Ohio. The proposed site is located just northeast of Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, with a planned groundbreaking in 2027. Cutter previously stated a 90% certainty of the project's realization during a Franklin Township trustees meeting. However, Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry announced on April 22 that the City of Mansfield is severing all discussions with EnergiAcres. Perry cited a lack of alignment, specifically noting that the developer proceeded with a public meeting without prior local coordination. This decision comes despite initial discussions that involved the potential annexation of the land into Mansfield for utility connections. Kasmani, speaking for EnergiAcres, acknowledged the mayor's statement, but emphasized that the optioned land is in Richland County, not within the City of Mansfield. He reiterated that the project remains in early evaluation stages, with ongoing technical work. Kasmani highlighted the company's commitment to ensuring the project benefits the broader community through job creation and private investment in infrastructure, without increasing costs or straining existing resources for residents. EnergiAcres expressed a desire to continue dialogue with stakeholders to find a path forward that aligns with community priorities.