Chillicothe Council continues data center debate after review session
Chillicothe Council is continuing discussions on a proposed data center after enacting a 60-day moratorium to block development within city limits. The developer, Alignment Engine, presented details about the project at a public review session, drawing a large audience and sparking debate among council members. The council will hold further meetings to address the issue.
The Chillicothe Council is slated to continue its debate tonight on a proposed data center development following a well-attended public review session held last week. The discussion comes after the Council passed a 60-day moratorium, effective September 8, 2026, aimed at temporarily blocking the controversial industry's development within city limits.
At the review session, held at Chillicothe High School and drawing approximately 350 attendees, Alignment Engine Inc., the Canton, Ohio-based company planning the data center at the former Chilpaco paper mill site, gave a presentation and answered public questions. David Stanfill, Chief Technology Officer for Alignment Engine, led the presentation, stating the company's Ohio roots and commitment to Chillicothe. While some council members expressed concerns, notably Kathy Dunn, about the scheduling of the event, around 75% of the audience reportedly expressed non-opposition, including several former paper mill workers. Julie Madalinski of US Paper Mill LLC, the site owner, confirmed her company's support for Alignment Engine's project.
Council President Kevin Shoemaker emceed the event, and other council members, including Jeff Creed who chaired the finance & technology committee, also spoke. The Council will hold further committee and general meetings tonight, with the Engineering committee specifically researching the data center issue.