Petition aims to give Heath voters a say on data centers
Heath residents are petitioning for a charter amendment that would ban large-scale data centers using at least 23 megawatts of power in the city. The effort follows approval and construction of a Microsoft data center, with organizers citing potential increases in utility costs, strain on resources and traffic, and a lack of public input.
Residents of Heath, Ohio, are seeking a proposed charter amendment that would prohibit large-scale data centers using at least 23 megawatts of power. The campaign follows approval of a Microsoft data center that is now under construction, and organizers say future decisions should require greater public involvement rather than being left solely to the city council.
Petition organizer Ruth Prince said she is concerned that data center development near residential areas could increase utility costs and strain local resources and traffic. Organizers report collecting more than 400 signatures, twice the number required by the Heath City Council. Because the effort missed the deadline for the November ballot, it could require a special election or appear on the following May ballot.