Hubbard Council hears from crowd about data center proposal
Hubbard, Ohio residents raised concerns at a City Council meeting regarding a proposed data center and a non-disclosure agreement signed by Mayor Ben Kyle. The City Council subsequently voted to propose a 12-month moratorium on data center development within the city. Concerns include a lack of transparency, potential noise, and impact on property values.
Hundreds of residents in Hubbard, Ohio, packed a City Council meeting to express their concerns about a proposed data center and a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) signed by Mayor Ben Kyle in 2024 related to the project, known as "Project Milo." Residents, including Peter Aggers, criticized the lack of transparency, while Hubbard Township Trustee Jason Tedrow voiced concerns about the data center's proposed location near residential areas on the former Deer Creek Golf Course.
Katie Costello, a Hubbard Township resident, highlighted worries about noise and the potential impact on property values for long-time residents. Mayor Ben Kyle defended the NDA, stating it is standard practice in early project stages to protect trade secrets and facilitate utility information gathering necessary for zoning compliance. Despite the Mayor's explanation, Council President Michael Mogg, Council-at-Large Jonathan Rose, and 4th Ward Councilman Michael Kerr expressed opposition to a data center in Hubbard. In response to resident concerns and a perceived lack of information, 2nd Ward Councilperson Robin Zambrini proposed a 12-month moratorium on data center development within the city. The City Council voted to propose this moratorium, with a final vote scheduled for June 1.