Ashville Council Weighs Data Center Deal as Infrastructure Costs Loom

The Ashville Village Council is continuing to debate a proposed development agreement tied to a planned data center project by EdgeConneX. Some council members say the village may have little choice but to move forward as it faces tens of millions of dollars in required infrastructure upgrades to its aging water treatment system. Under the proposed agreement, EdgeConneX would provide up to $102 million in funding to the village, township, county, and school district. The village would extend water and wastewater capacity to the site, and EdgeConneX has offered to help cover the costs of legal and engineering reviews. Some council members have historically opposed the data center location, but now argue the financial realities mean the village must deal with the project. Residents have voiced concerns about environmental impacts, energy use, and long-term community effects. One council member noted that without outside funding, residents could face significant water bill increases to cover the infrastructure upgrades. The council is currently considering the development agreement resolution, which would also suspend the village's data center moratorium to allow the EdgeConneX project to proceed. A final vote is expected in the coming weeks.