Massillon to get legal help to address data center zoning regulations

Massillon City Council has initiated efforts to develop comprehensive zoning regulations for data center companies considering building within the city. The council has selected attorney Terry Seeberger to provide recommendations on zoning parameters, aiming to address economic, environmental, and community impacts of data center construction. This proactive approach by Massillon comes as other areas in Stark County, Ohio, grapple with data center developments. Plain Township trustees have enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data centers to assess their potential impacts on health, safety, utilities, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Perry Township trustees endorsed a 75% property tax break for a data center slated for completion in 2027, a project that has drawn significant negative feedback from local residents. Canton City Council is also expected to consider the tax abatement due to a Joint Economic Development District agreement with Perry Township, with the Stark County commissions holding the final say. City Development Director Ted Herncane noted that while the council passed legislation to bring on Seeberger, a separate appropriation might be needed, and the official hiring authority (mayor's office, law department, or council) is yet to be determined. Seeberger is known for his municipal law expertise.