Proposed data center discussed during council meeting

A proposed data center was the primary subject of a recent Van Wert City Council meeting, despite only a public hearing reminder being on the official agenda. Many attendees voiced concerns, questions, and opposition regarding the project and related emergency legislation. Fourth Ward Councilman Eric Hurless explained the need for expedited processes when businesses seek to locate in a city, while also noting that officials have conducted extensive research on data centers and artificial intelligence. Residents raised questions about the rapid progression of legislation and why the project would not be put to a public vote. Council members and city officials, including Hurless and Third Ward Councilwoman Julie Moore, recently toured a data center park in New Albany, reporting minimal noise complaints and positive observations. Moore specifically noted the quiet operation of the data centers. A public hearing on a petition to re-zone property to I-2 General Industrial upon annexation into the city is scheduled for May 4, with a council vote on annexation and re-zoning legislation expected on May 11. Second Ward Councilman Greg Roberts announced he would abstain from votes due to his employment with The Marsh Foundation, which previously owned the land. The city's planning commission voted 3-0 to recommend amendments to city ordinances, including adding data centers as a permitted use in I-2 zones. During the planning commission meeting, residents expressed environmental concerns, accused officials of corruption, and called for a six-month or one-year moratorium on data centers, with one even threatening a recall election.