Residents voice energy cost concerns as Trotwood considers data centers
The Trotwood Planning Commission is discussing how to define data centers within its zoning code and will make a recommendation to the City Council. Residents are primarily concerned about potential increases in energy costs, fearing data centers could be a "power drain" on the community. This discussion follows other Miami Valley communities' actions regarding data centers.
The Trotwood Planning Commission in Ohio is set to discuss the inclusion and definition of data centers within the city's zoning code, preparing a recommendation for the City Council. This initiative follows similar actions in other Miami Valley communities, where Dayton has banned data centers and Piqua has allowed them.
Trotwood Planning and Development Director Tyler Hauck stated the meeting's primary goal is to establish a clear definition for data centers and identify potential permitted locations within the city. Hauck acknowledged significant resident feedback, with rising utility costs consistently being the main concern.
Local resident Jim Fry expressed worry about data centers acting as a "power drain on the community" and stated he would only accept them if his energy bill did not increase. The commission aims to gather more information and citizen input before providing its recommendation to the City Council.