McDonald passes 1-year moratorium on data centers
McDonald Village Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center applications, preventing the acceptance or processing of new proposals. This decision followed a meeting where Oppidan discussed plans for eight to twelve data centers on the former McDonald Steel property, raising concerns among residents regarding their size and potential environmental impact. The moratorium aims to allow the village time to review and update its zoning ordinances concerning data centers.
The McDonald Village Council in Ohio unanimously approved an emergency ordinance placing a one-year moratorium on data center developments within the village. The 5-0 vote means the village will not accept, process, or consider any applications for data centers for the next 12 months, although the council can terminate the moratorium earlier if desired.
Council President Sean Schmidt stated that the moratorium is intended to allow village officials and the planning commission to review and update zoning ordinances, particularly those related to the former McDonald Steel mill property. Councilman Joe Sanson emphasized the goal of ensuring any future data center development is built safely and responsibly, allowing for informed decisions based on updated regulations.
The council's decision was met with applause from more than 40 residents attending the special meeting. Residents expressed concerns about the proposed size of the data centers and potential impacts like noise, air, and water pollution. This action comes shortly after an informational meeting where Oppidan officials presented plans to develop eight to twelve data centers, along with administrative buildings, on the former McDonald Steel site, promising 250 jobs and $7.3 million annually in income taxes while assuring compliance with local zoning and Ohio EPA standards.