Lake County community upset over proposed data center location
News Clip3:11News 5 Cleveland·Perry Village, Lake County, OH·4/14/2026
Residents of Perry Village in Lake County, Ohio, are highly upset and opposing a proposed 6-building data center project located in the heart of their community. Local officials and school boards are researching the financial implications and navigating the significant community outcry over the chosen site. The project is not yet finalized.
zoningoppositiongovernmentannouncement
Gov: Perry Village Council, Lake County Commissioners, Perry Township, Joint Economic District, Perry School Board
A proposed 6-building data center in Perry Village, Lake County, Ohio, is generating strong opposition and dividing the community. Residents, including Wally Siegal, express anger over the lack of transparency and the chosen location in the heart of town, suggesting a site near the nuclear plant instead.
Lake County Commissioner Morris Beverage III, a Perry Village resident, also stated his personal opposition to the project at its current location. The mayor of Perry Village admitted surprise at the community's outcry, noting that a California developer is involved in a deal to purchase land from the village, Perry Township, and the Joint Economic District. While the mayor highlighted potential funding benefits for local services and schools, School Superintendent Todd Forsello indicated that the school board's analysis suggests the financial gains might be less than the village's initial estimate of up to $10 million, especially with potential land abatements and PILOTs. The school board is consulting experts to understand the full financial impact. The project is currently not a done deal.