Hubbard mayor signs non-disclosure agreement about data center project

Hubbard, Ohio, residents are expressing significant opposition to a proposed data center project known as "Project Milo" after discovering that Mayor Ben Kyle signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) preventing him from revealing the involved company. Melissa Wade and Katie Costello, Hubbard Township residents, initiated a door-to-door campaign and a petition drive to encourage community members to fight the project, which they fear will "ruin this community." The controversy intensified after a zoning meeting where Mayor Kyle confirmed the NDA, stating it was signed in 2024 to protect the company's trade secrets and is a common early-stage practice. He also clarified that multiple locations with transmission lines are under consideration, not just the former Deer Creek golf course. Hubbard Township trustees have already enacted a one-year moratorium on new data centers in response to development concerns. However, the proposed Deer Creek site, while annexed by the city decades ago, is surrounded by township property, leading Township trustee Jason Tedrow to express concern about its drastic impact on township residents. Hubbard City Council president Mike Mogg also stated he would not sign such an NDA. Mayor Kyle assured the public that "Project Milo" has been in utility review for two years and there will be opportunities for public input as the process moves forward, including review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a City Council vote. Residents are urged to attend an upcoming City Council meeting and sign the petition against data centers.