Van Wert Data Center Preview WANE 15 at 6

The Van Wert City Council is hosting a public hearing to address a proposed $2 billion data center project in the city. Reporter Ethan Dahlen of WANE 15 reported live from Van Wert ahead of the meeting, noting that the council is listening to residents' concerns about the development, with a vote on rezoning expected within a week. The proposed data center has generated a range of opinions, with many on social media expressing strong opposition due to potential impacts on electric rates, water usage, and environmental issues such as noise, light pollution, and the loss of agricultural land. Conversely, the Van Wert Area Economic Development organization supports the project, touting its potential to generate $200 million in community revenue over 20 years and create up to 250 full-time, high-paying jobs, in addition to over a thousand construction jobs. The rezoning vote is considered a major and controversial hurdle for the project.