Pataskala residents remain skeptical of proposed data center, call for pause

Ohio's data center debate continues, with Pataskala residents voicing strong skepticism and opposition to a proposed three-building data center complex. During a standing-room-only public meeting of the city's planning and zoning commission, dozens of residents made it clear they do not want the development in their community. Texas-based Aligned Data Centers is seeking approval for the project on land it owns near Broad and Mink Streets. Company employees presented the data center as a significant economic benefit to Licking County, promising hundreds of millions, potentially billions, of dollars in investment. However, residents expressed deep concerns about potential environmental and noise pollution, as well as overall safety. One resident articulated their apprehension, stating, "You don't want to go off the diving board if you're not sure what you're diving into, you know, so we need to pause and figure out what are we committing ourselves to. We're concerned, not combative." They emphasized that their lives are more important than any financial gains from the project. The Pataskala Planning and Zoning Commission will make a recommendation regarding Aligned Data Centers' proposal, with the final decision resting with the Pataskala City Council. Residents are advocating for a pause in the approval process.