Data Center Concerns Continue in Chillicothe Council
Chillicothe City Council heard continued public concerns about a possible data center at the former paper mill site, but took no action. Opponents cited potential power use, water consumption, wastewater, noise and environmental impacts, while council members and utility officials said the project may have little effect on residents’ water and electricity supplies.
Chillicothe City Council continued to hear debate over a possible data center at the former paper mill site, with no decision made. Fifth Ward Councilman Greg McKeever urged residents and council members to rely on information from city utility officials and paper mill workers, who project little to no impact on residential water and power supplies.
Residents Dawn Zarbakhsh and Portia Boulger challenged the characterization of opposition as emotional and raised concerns about the pace of data center development, council procedures and the project’s potential effects. The discussion also touched on future data center zoning and the role of the Planning Commission, but no formal regulatory or zoning action was reported.