Wilmington residents sue city over proposed AWS data center

Residents of Wilmington, Ohio, have filed a lawsuit against the City of Wilmington concerning a proposed Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center. The lawsuit, brought by individuals living near the planned Koestler Farm site, alleges that the city acted too quickly and secretly in the process, failing to prioritize the interests of its residents. The plaintiffs claim that the City Council attempted to adopt "illegal and unenforceable zoning amendments" to facilitate the development, violating the city's constitutional duties. They argue that the ordinance allowing data centers as a permitted use in light industrial zones should be overturned due to defects in public notice. Concerns highlighted in the lawsuit include potential noise, vibration, pollution, and a reduction in property values. Plaintiff Sharp expressed dissatisfaction with the city's handling of the project, stating that elected officials have made a deal that benefits the city but not necessarily its residents. She also mentioned the lack of answers regarding power outages and potential noise impacts. The City of Wilmington has acknowledged the lawsuit, denying any wrongdoing and stating its intention to vehemently defend the matter through the appropriate legal process. An injunction was filed by the residents, and a visiting judge is expected to preside over the case to ensure impartiality. A potential first court date is anticipated the week of May 11th. Sharp indicated that if the project moves forward, she would consider relocating from Wilmington.