Federal judge deals setback to Amazon data center project in Wilmington
A federal judge has halted a proposed 471-acre Amazon Web Services data center project in Wilmington, Ohio, ordering the city to redo key ordinances after residents claimed improper public notification. The ruling mandates the city to revisit reszoning and generator noise rules, delaying the project and granting residents more power in future hearings.
A federal judge has issued a significant setback to a proposed Amazon Web Services data center project in Wilmington, Ohio, effectively halting its progress. After three days of testimony, the judge ordered the city to redo key ordinances related to the 471-acre development off US68, citing residents' claims of seriously defective public notice.
The ruling requires the city to revisit reszoning data center uses and generator noise rules. It also grants residents, who initiated the legal challenge, enhanced rights in future hearings, including the ability to present expert testimony, cross-examine witnesses, and retain legal counsel. Jessica Sharp, a resident living near the proposed site, emphasized that the case sends a clear message that the city must adhere to its own legal processes.
Testimony during the case suggested that more data centers might be planned for the area. While the city retains the option to repass the ordinances, residents anticipate a more transparent process this time, following allegations that previous actions were conducted "in the shadows." The legal battle has already cost residents, with Sharp and nine other families spending approximately $47,000 in attorney's fees, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses.
The city is still expected to vote on a conditional use measure later in the month, though WCPO 9 News reported that the City of Wilmington had not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the judge's order.