Trenton Planning Commission approves data center site plan in 10-minute meeting

The Trenton Planning Commission swiftly approved a site plan for a Prologis data center project on 141 acres in Trenton, Ohio, during a meeting that concluded in approximately 10 minutes. The development, already under construction, will feature four buildings totaling 880,000 square feet with advanced cooling systems. Prologis claims the project will create 140 jobs, generate $120,000 annually in city utility fees, and operate with a water-efficient, chemical-free design, covering all utility and power upgrade costs. However, the decision sparked dissatisfaction among residents. Melinda Zemper, a Butler County resident and member of Save Ohio Parks, questioned the rapid approval and raised concerns about potential air emissions from a natural gas plant associated with the project, emphasizing the importance of clean air and water over artificial intelligence. Barry Blankenship, who leads a grassroots group of over 500 members, criticized the meeting's brevity, arguing it was meant for review, not an immediate vote, and voiced worries about noise, traffic, diesel generators, and fossil fuel power plants. Despite the commission's approval, opposition organizers like Blankenship affirmed their commitment to continuously monitor and fight the project, promising to report any issues they observe. City officials declined to answer questions post-meeting, stating they would only respond via email.