Watchdog Report: City discusses data center sites, public opposition
The city of Youngstown, Ohio, is having internal discussions about potential data center developments, with conversations dating back to last year and involving specific sites and electricity needs. While no formal proposals have been submitted, officials are preparing for the possibility and acknowledging growing community opposition. The mayor has maintained a non-committal public stance.
Youngstown, Ohio, is quietly engaging in discussions regarding potential data center developments, a contrast to other communities in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys that have considered moratoriums. Email exchanges reveal that initial talks began in July last year under the Tito Brown administration and resumed when Mayor Derek McDowell took office, involving Stephanie Gilchrist, the city's director of economic development.
Gilchrist has been in contact with Adam Krup of Wharton Equity about a possible data center. Jobs Ohio's regional partner, Lake to River, later joined the discussions, suggesting sites on Youngstown's East Side, including 70 acres off Poland Avenue and the Lansdowne Airport property. Councilman Jimmy Hughes stated he was unaware of these conversations.
First Energy reached out to discuss electricity requirements for the potential project, which Krup indicated could be a multi-billion dollar development. Demaine Kitchen, director of planning and economic development, contacted entities like Amazon, expressing the city's enthusiasm and desire to address potential community opposition.
Despite internal discussions and growing calls from residents opposing data centers, Mayor McDowell maintained a non-committal public stance during a virtual town hall, emphasizing the city's review of its zoning and control over resources. The City of Youngstown issued a statement confirming that no formal proposals, zoning applications, or agreements for a data center have been submitted or approved during the current administration, ensuring any future plan would undergo a standard public review process with community input.