Urbana voters to decide on data center charter ban
Urbana voters will decide whether to amend the city charter to prohibit data center construction within city limits. Supporters cite concerns about the scale and accountability of hyperscale developments, while opponents favor case-by-case regulation rather than a blanket ban.
Urbana voters are set to decide in the Nov. 3 general election whether to amend Section 8 of the city charter to prohibit data center construction within the city. The proposal comes as a data center project moves closer to reality and as similar developments generate debate across Ohio.
Supporter Nicole Nawman said the amendment would protect the community from the potential impacts of hyperscale data centers and developers failing to fulfill promises. Opponent David Greenlee argued that Urbana should regulate facilities through ordinances and evaluate them individually, saying a blanket prohibition could limit economic opportunities. Both residents acknowledged that fear and misinformation are influencing the debate.