Some Stark County residents skeptical of developers’ answers on data center project

An open house hosted by Panattoni Development Company at Perry High School in Perry Township, Stark County, Ohio, failed to fully alleviate residents' concerns about a proposed 240-megawatt data center. Adam Kramer, Panattoni's data center chief, aimed to demystify the project, which is planned for a 100-acre site at Faircrest Street SW and Kropf Avenue. Residents like Brenda Parsons from Canton voiced significant worries about potential environmental impacts, including inhalable particles, water usage, wastewater pollution, noise, and light pollution. Gina Risher, who lives near the development site, echoed these concerns, emphasizing 'water issues,' 'noise issues,' and perceived 'secrecy' surrounding the project's inception. Kramer countered that environmental impacts would be minimal and highlighted the economic benefits, referencing tax revenue reductions seen in areas like Fairfax County, Virginia, and Elk Grove, Illinois, due to data center developments. He also noted that developers are working with local contractors, qualifying 16 small businesses, and committed to being the 'quietest industrial neighbor.' Matt Sterling, president of Beaver Excavating, a local contractor working on the project, also attempted to address fears. Despite the developer's reassurances, both Parsons and Risher remain opposed to the project. They are actively collecting signatures for a petition to place an amendment on the November ballot that would ban the construction of data centers exceeding 25 megawatts statewide.