Cleveland's mayor has 'real concerns' as data center proposal surfaces in Slavic Village

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb voiced "real concerns" regarding a proposed $1.6 billion data center campus in the city's Slavic Village neighborhood. The Westlake-based Lakeland Equity Group recently filed a permit application for the 35-acre site, a dormant truck yard, a move that surprised both city officials and local residents. Mayor Bibb emphasized the need to protect residents and implement "sensible regulations" for such facilities, noting that the state legislature is also examining the issue. The proposal highlights a broader challenge for Ohio communities, which are seeing a surge of data center projects. In response, Cleveland City Council is currently considering legislation, sponsored by Councilman Charles Slife, that would impose a moratorium on new data center developments until May 1, 2027. By submitting its application now, Lakeland Equity Group is attempting to have its project evaluated under Cleveland's current zoning code, which lacks specific regulations for data centers. Lakeland Equity Group's managing director, Sam Khouri, confirmed the project is in its planning phase, touting its potential for economic growth and job creation. The company stated the facility would be a "state-of-the-art, hyperscale facility" with 150 megawatts of power capacity, using closed-loop cooling technology to significantly reduce water consumption. The site is currently zoned for industrial use. Councilman Slife cited the Slavic Village proposal as justification for the proposed moratorium, while Mayor Bibb acknowledged the importance of technological investments but stressed the need for protective measures for residents and the environment, advocating for collaboration between the city and state legislatures.