Jerome Township Residents Oppose Data Center Zoning Change; Plain City Refines Regulations
Jerome Township residents are actively opposing a zoning application for 166 acres adjacent to an Amazon data center and land designated for future hyperscale data centers, raising concerns about traffic, noise, and the lack of a known end-user. The Jerome Zoning Commission has tabled its decision. Meanwhile, Plain City officials are refining new data center regulations during an existing moratorium, considering larger buffer zones and revised incentive policies while monitoring state legislative proposals and electrical grid capacity.
Jerome Township residents are expressing significant concerns regarding a zoning application to rezone 166 acres on Mitchell-DeWitt Road from rural residential to commercial. The property is strategically located adjacent to an Amazon Data Center and additional land owned by BA Mitchell LLC, intended for future hyperscale data centers. Landowners Robert and Betty Mitchell, represented by attorney Glen Dugger and broker Joe Davis, stated that farming the land is no longer practical and that preparing the land for market aligns with the township's long-term land-use plan.
During a public hearing, residents, including Ben Anderson and Tara Kunzelman, voiced strong opposition, citing worries about increased traffic, noise, and the unknown nature of the end user for the commercial property. They argued that the application represents a speculative land flip that shifts risk to the community and provides a "blank check" for intrusive development without a required traffic study. The Jerome Zoning Commission voted unanimously to close the public comment period and table its decision until October 12, when members will deliberate and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
Concurrently, Plain City officials are continuing to develop new data center regulations following the Village Council's decision in August to enact a moratorium. Development Director Jason Stanford informed council members on September 28 that staff are refining the draft framework, ensuring consistency with the village's recently approved Comprehensive Plan. Proposed updates include larger buffer zones, potentially between 450 and 550 feet, between data centers and residential areas, based on American Planning Association guidance. Officials also plan to revise their Economic Development Incentive Policy to leverage negotiations for community benefits rather than offering unnecessary financial breaks.
The village will also monitor state legislative proposals, electrical grid capacity, and data center developments in neighboring communities such as Marysville, Dublin, and Jerome Township. Staff will provide bimonthly updates to the council.