Middleton Twp. denies data center rezoning request

Middleton Township Trustees rejected a request from Meta to rezone 39.265 acres from agricultural to light industrial for a temporary parking lot. This decision, made with a 2-1 vote following a special hearing, aligned with the township's zoning commission's recommendation. The proposed parking expansion was deemed critical by Meta's representative, Chris Ingram, for the continued construction of Phase 2 of its $800 million data center in Wood County, Ohio, aiming to keep workers on-site and prevent project delays.

Residents at the hearing voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about increased traffic, noise, and light pollution along local roads. Brayden Hickerson, an outspoken opponent, urged trustees to prioritize residents' will, while others questioned the long-term impact of a permanent zoning change for temporary parking.

Conversely, Brad Anderson, president of the Otsego Local Schools board, supported the rezoning, emphasizing the financial benefits to the school district through an increased tax base without additional student enrollment. Superintendent Kevin O’Shea echoed this, highlighting the economic development opportunity for the community.

Trustees Mike Moulton and Melissa Petrea voted to deny the request, with Petrea expressing apprehension about permanently changing zoning for a temporary need and suggesting alternative parking solutions. Trustee Fred Vetter, whose recent property purchase near the data center site raised conflict-of-interest questions (though cleared by the Ohio Ethics Commission), voted against the denial. The decision could prolong the construction timeline of Meta's data center project.