Conneaut voters to decide whether to ban large data centers
Conneaut voters will decide in November whether to amend the city charter to ban data center developments larger than 25 megawatts. Residents supporting the ban cite concerns about impacts on farmland, water, air quality and natural resources, while economic development officials are exploring data centers as a potential use for industrial sites.
Residents in Conneaut, Ohio, have gathered signatures to place a charter amendment on the November ballot that would prohibit data center developments exceeding 25 megawatts. Supporters, including local farmers and residents near Northridge, say they want to protect agricultural land, water and air quality as interest in data centers grows.
The city previously adopted a moratorium on data center development, and officials and economic development representatives have been examining whether data centers could be feasible at Econ Industrial Park and other potential sites. The ballot measure has become a major local issue, with advocates urging voters to approve a permanent ban while economic development interests continue to assess the opportunity.