Residents voice concerns about potential McDonald data center
Residents of McDonald, Ohio, voiced significant concerns at a village council meeting regarding a potential data center project, focusing on existing zoning limitations, property values, and tax implications. Some residents also suggested considering a moratorium on data center development to allow for further evaluation. Mayor Ray Lewis noted ongoing discussions with a developer, who is scheduled to host an open forum on September 15th.
Residents of McDonald, Ohio, gathered for a village council meeting to discuss a proposed data center project in their community. The meeting, described as a "packed house," saw residents expressing both optimism and apprehension about the development.
Key concerns raised by residents included the project's compatibility with current zoning regulations, with one resident stating that under existing language, data centers "do not exist in our village" and "do not meet the criteria of zoning." Property values were another major worry, with some homeowners fearing a loss in the value of their renovated homes if a data center were to be built. Additionally, residents questioned the financial benefits, noting that the Tangible Personal Property Tax, which had provided tax relief from the old McDonald Steel site, would not offer similar benefits with a data center.
Amidst the discussion, some residents proposed a moratorium on data center development, suggesting it would provide valuable time for further evaluation. McDonald Mayor Ray Lewis confirmed that talks are underway with a potential data center developer. He indicated that this company would be responsible for communicating its plans to the village and is scheduled to hold an open forum for the community on September 15th to discuss the project.