Cleveland rejects permit for hyperscale data center in Slavic Village

Cleveland city officials rejected a permit for a proposed $1.6 billion hyperscale data center development in the Slavic Village and Industrial Valley area. Developer Sam Khouri of Lakeland Equity Group had sought approval for the 35-acre campus, which was projected to require 150 megawatts of power, equivalent to the energy usage of over 100,000 residential homes. The permit denial follows significant public opposition and the introduction of legislation by Councilmember Charles Slife for a one-year moratorium on data center permits in Cleveland. Mayor Bibb also expressed "serious concerns" about hyperscale data centers in neighborhoods, citing environmental impact and rising utility costs. The city spokesperson indicated the permit did not pass zoning administration review. Khouri's proposal promised "secure, resilient digital infrastructure" and "significant local investment and long-term technical jobs." However, the city is prioritizing the assessment of zoning codes and development guardrails to address the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on neighborhoods and quality of life. The region currently hosts 22 data centers.