Trenton residents push back against massive data center with petition, statewide ban effort

Residents in Trenton, Ohio, are mobilizing against a large 250-megawatt data center project by Prologis, despite the city planning commission's approval of zoning last month. Opponents are concerned about the project's impact, including noise and the perceived lack of community input during the planning process. Led by individuals like Barry Blankenship, residents braved cold weather to sign a petition at Gorman Farms, which was approached by developers to purchase their land. This petition is part of a broader, citizen-led initiative seeking to empower Ohio residents to vote on statewide bans for data centers exceeding 25 megawatts. Prologis, the developer, asserts the project will create 140 jobs, generate $120,000 annually in city utility fees, and operate with a water-efficient design. However, residents remain unconvinced by claims of minimal noise and are determined to collect the necessary signatures in Butler County and statewide to push their initiative forward.