Shalersville Twp. sets new zoning limits for data center development amid legal threats
Shalersville Township trustees approved zoning language defining the area as light industrial and limiting data center power use to less than 25 megawatts. An attorney representing the developers called the amendments unlawful and said legal action may follow, while the township said the changes were reviewed by the county prosecutor's office.
The Shalersville Township Board of Trustees in Portage County, Ohio, voted to clarify its zoning language by classifying the current zoning as light industrial. Trustee Ronald Kotkowski said the designation would limit power use in the area to less than 25 megawatts and followed concerns that the township's previous language was unclear.
Liz Alexander, an attorney for the data center developers, said the amendments were unlawful and unconstitutional and threatened legal action. She said the changes do not affect her client's pending conditional-use application filed under the existing zoning resolution but could affect other properties in the township. Kotkowski said the measure had been reviewed by the county prosecutor's office, while resident Jessica Winchell praised the trustees for approving a measure she said had broad local support.