Ohio communities debate data center impact, local governments enact moratoriums
Local communities in Ohio are actively debating data center developments. Vantage Data Centers is set to develop a project near Oregon, Ohio, while Meta's expansion in Middleton Township faces opposition through a petition drive. Several local governments in Lucas and Fulton counties have enacted data center moratoriums, and the issue is a key topic in Ohio's gubernatorial race.
Local communities across the U.S. and specifically in Ohio are expressing concerns about the impact of data center projects. WTVG 13 Action News reports on an ongoing debate, highlighting new developments in the Toledo area and broader Ohio.
Oregon, Ohio, business leaders, in conjunction with the Oregon Economic Development Foundation, have announced that Vantage Data Centers will be the owner and developer of a new data center project near Corduroy. City Administrator Road Walters indicated that significant work remains before construction, including negotiations on property transfer and compensation. Vantage Data Centers, established in 2010 with operations globally and an existing presence in Washington state and New Albany, Ohio, plans for three centers that could be leased to other end-users.
Further south, in Middleton Township, residents are actively opposing the expansion of a Meta data center. A recent rezoning vote by the Township Trustees approved the expansion, going against the recommendation of the Township Zoning Board. Opponents have launched a petition drive, needing just under 1,000 signatures to place the issue on the November ballot, aiming to stop the facility's expansion.
The broader region of northwest Ohio has seen a wave of action on data centers. Over the past 12 months, Monclova, Richfield, and Waterville townships, all within Lucas County, have enacted moratoriums on data center development. The City of Maumee, Fulton County, and the Village of Bartlow also passed a six-month moratorium in April. Data centers have become a major issue on Ohio's gubernatorial campaign trail, with Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton announcing support for a conditional moratorium. This proposed moratorium would require developers to cover 100% of utility costs, use union labor, and operate with full transparency.