Opinion: Ohio communities weigh zoning and economic benefits of data center development
An opinion article compares Quincy, Washington's successful integration of data centers with Lordstown, Ohio's decision to impose and extend a temporary moratorium while it develops zoning rules. The article argues that Wilmington residents and Lordstown leaders should address concerns about noise, power, water and emergency services through reasonable regulations rather than rejecting data center investment.
The article uses Quincy, Washington, and Lordstown, Ohio, as contrasting examples of economic development. Quincy welcomed roughly 30 data center facilities, which now generate an estimated 57% of the city’s property taxes and have helped fund schools, health care, public safety and infrastructure while reducing the property tax levy rate.
Lordstown, a former manufacturing center where General Motors ended production in 2019, has imposed and extended a temporary moratorium while village leaders determine how data centers should be treated under local zoning rules. Residents have raised concerns about noise, electricity, water and emergency services. Steve Stivers, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and a former U.S. representative, argues that Lordstown should use zoning, permitting and development agreements to establish safeguards while allowing new investment and jobs to move forward.