Proposed data center draws a packed crowd to Massillon City Council
Massillon City Council is considering a zoning change needed for LEG Centrum’s proposed data center near Washington High School. Most residents who spoke opposed the proposal, citing potential impacts from noise, water, electricity, gas and the site’s proximity to the school, while construction unions supported it for its job benefits.
Massillon City Council has begun reviewing a zoning change that would convert the former Standard Testing Lab property on Harsh Avenue SE from light industrial to heavy industrial use, enabling LEG Centrum’s proposed data center near Washington High School. The Massillon Planning Commission voted 6-0 in October to recommend the change, but City Council must hold additional readings and a public hearing before making a final decision.
About 80 residents attended the Nov. 2 council meeting, and more than 25 people spoke, with most opposing the rezoning or data centers generally. Residents raised concerns about noise, water and electricity costs, utility capacity, property taxes and the project’s location near the high school. Supporters, including regional construction unions, said the development could revive abandoned property and create construction and long-term jobs. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14, ahead of a council vote.
Massillon adopted additional data center zoning requirements in August, including setbacks from residences, proof of adequate water, electric and wastewater capacity, and peak noise certifications. Other data center projects are also planned or operating in Stark County, including developments in Canton and Perry Township and a Bitdeer crypto mining facility in Massillon.