Mount Orab weighs zoning repeal amid anger over data center secrecy

Name: Mount Orab weighs zoning repeal amid anger over data center secrecy
Uploaded: 2026-03-24T14:19:59.000Z
Duration: 1 min
Description: Mount Orab village leaders in Ohio are considering repealing controversial zoning changes that would allow a massive data center project, following strong resident opposition. Locals are furious over the project and the non-disclosure agreements signed by elected officials, which limited transparency. The village has also approved a six-month pause on the project.

News Clip1:00WLWT·Mount Orab, Brown County, OH·3/24/2026

Mount Orab village leaders in Ohio are considering repealing controversial zoning changes that would allow a massive data center project, following strong resident opposition. Locals are furious over the project and the non-disclosure agreements signed by elected officials, which limited transparency. The village has also approved a six-month pause on the project.

zoningoppositiongovernmentmoratorium

Gov: Mount Orab Village Leaders, Mount Orab Council Member Eric Lange, State lawmakers

Mount Orab village leaders in Ohio are currently deliberating the repeal of contentious zoning changes made in 2024, which were intended to facilitate a large-scale data center development. Residents have expressed significant anger over the project, particularly due to elected officials having signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that restrict what they can publicly disclose about the proposed facility.
Mount Orab Council Member Eric Lange is advocating for increased transparency and is urging village leaders to reverse what he asserts were improperly enacted zoning changes. Lange emphasized the importance of self-governance, stating that citizens have a right to be informed about local developments and expressed that residents do not want the data center in their community.
In response to the public outcry and ongoing discussions, the village of Mount Orab approved a six-month moratorium earlier this month, effectively pausing the data center project. The controversy has also drawn the attention of some state lawmakers, who are now exploring legislative measures to prohibit the use of NDAs in local government proceedings across Ohio.