Piqua data center protest
News Clip2:08WDTNTV·Piqua, Miami County, OH·4/8/2026
Piqua City Commissioners approved plans for a data center, sparking protests from residents. Concerns include the facility's proximity to a hospital, residences, and the Great Miami River, as well as an emergency zoning vote that bypassed public notification. Protestors are circulating a petition and plan to continue demonstrations.
oppositionzoning
Gov: Piqua City Commissioners, City of Piqua
Piqua, OH - Plans for a new data center have been approved by Piqua City Commissioners, leading to immediate public protest. The facility, slated for construction at the intersection of Farrington Road and Washington Road, has drawn criticism from residents concerned about its location near a hospital, residential areas, and the Great Miami River.
2 News reporter Kierstin Raeford was present at a recent protest where residents expressed frustration, arguing the data center would "ruin the city." A major point of contention is the process by which zoning for the land was changed: an emergency vote that protestors claim bypassed standard public notification procedures.
In response to the demonstrations, the City of Piqua released a statement affirming its respect for residents' right to peaceful assembly and free expression, while prioritizing safety. Protest organizers are circulating a petition, aiming to gather signatures until July 1st, and plan to hold protests in front of City Hall on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Despite the approval, the Piqua City Commission has not addressed the protestors' broader concerns.