Trenton commission approves plan for data center, moving project closer to construction

The Trenton City Planning Commission has unanimously approved the site plan submitted by developer Prologis for "Project Mila," a massive 880,000-square-foot data center development. The project, slated for over 140 acres in Trenton's industrial park, will feature four buildings and an electrical substation, and is projected to create 140 jobs. The decision, however, has been met with considerable community pushback. Residents filled the meeting, many of whom are part of the Woodsdale and Trenton Environmental Resistance group, voiced concerns regarding the data center's potential environmental and health impacts, its proximity to Chrisholm MetroPark, noise pollution, water quality, and increased traffic. Barry Blankenship of the resistance group and St. Clair Township resident Karen Embry highlighted their worries, particularly after the commission's quick 10-minute meeting concluded without a public comment period, leading to widespread frustration. While city officials stated that an acoustical analysis showed projected sound levels within allowable limits, technical components like stormwater management are still under review. Residents have been directed to an upcoming city council meeting to voice their questions and concerns. The local opposition in Trenton is part of a broader statewide trend, with a group of rural Ohioans proposing a constitutional amendment to ban large AI data centers across the state.