Ashtabula Committee Weighs Data Center Moratorium After Policy Matters Ohio Presentation
Ashtabula's Community Development Committee discussed potential risks of large data centers, including tax subsidies, water use, and environmental concerns, following a presentation by Molly Bryden of Policy Matters Ohio. The committee agreed that any proposed moratorium must include stronger policy language and specific harm standards before moving to the full council. The Assistant City Solicitor will investigate restricting city officials from signing development-related non-disclosure agreements.
Molly Bryden of Policy Matters Ohio presented to Ashtabula's Community Development Committee, detailing fiscal, environmental, infrastructure, public health, and transparency issues linked to large data centers. Her presentation covered concerns such as tax subsidies, electricity demand, water usage, on-site natural gas generation, PFAS contamination, labor standards, and the use of non-disclosure agreements.
Bryden recommended implementing stronger disclosure and reporting requirements, fostering meaningful public participation, establishing a distinct zoning classification with a robust conditional use process, and enacting enforceable community protections. She emphasized the utility of a moratorium to allow time for the development of substantive policy. A specific unnamed committee member expressed opposition to a data center in the city but cautioned that the current moratorium proposal could inadvertently deter other investments.
The committee reached a consensus that any moratorium advanced to the city council must be fortified with substantive policy language, clearly identifying specific harms, standards, and safeguards. Assistant City Solicitor Catherine Holmgren was tasked with researching the city's ability to restrict employees and elected officials from signing development-related non-disclosure agreements.