Hubbard prepares legislation for data center moratorium
Hubbard City Council approved an emergency measure requesting legislation for a one-year moratorium on data center construction and operation, driven by renewed concerns from over 200 city and township residents. Residents voiced opposition regarding noise, environmental impacts from chemicals, electricity usage, and a lack of transparency from Mayor Ben Kyle regarding an unidentified 'Project Milo'.
The Hubbard City Council, Ohio, approved an emergency measure to draft legislation for a one-year moratorium on data center development within the city. This decision came after more than 200 residents attended a council meeting to voice their strong opposition to a potential data center project, identified only as "Project Milo," which Mayor Ben Kyle confirmed has been under discussion with regional economic development partner Lake to River.
Residents expressed significant concerns, including noise pollution from data center operations, potential environmental contamination from chemicals like PFAS, and strain on the local electricity grid, which they claim is already unreliable. Property values and transparency were also major points of contention, with resident Katie Costello criticizing Mayor Kyle for signing a non-disclosure agreement without public consultation and demanding more information on the scope and type of the facility. Councilwoman Robin Zambrini, D-2nd Ward, who requested the moratorium legislation, acknowledged the need to bypass usual zoning processes due to public concern, stating the moratorium is expected to be approved at the June 1 council meeting.