Data center discussion spans 3+ hours as Shalersville mulls 257-acre project
Bitdeer proposed a large data center campus in Shalersville Township, Ohio, sparking over three hours of public discussion and strong community opposition due to concerns about energy, noise, light, and water usage. No decision has been made, as the township is still mulling the project ahead of a data center moratorium's expiration in November.
Bitdeer, a global tech firm, presented plans for a significant data center campus spanning 257 acres in Shalersville Township, Portage County, Ohio. The proposed project includes an initial phase of three buildings requiring 150 megawatts of power, with a second phase expanding to 15 buildings and an additional 600 megawatts over five years, primarily to fuel artificial intelligence. The site's proximity to a transportation hub and long-term power availability were cited as key attractants.
The public meeting drew a packed crowd to the Shalersville Town Hall, indicating strong community interest and opposition. The discussion, which lasted over three hours, addressed numerous concerns from residents, including energy consumption, noise, lighting, and water usage, particularly regarding water runoff. Residents expressed discomfort and anger about the project, with some noting the community is approaching its 250th anniversary.
No final decisions have been made regarding the data center project. Officials indicated that a decision is not expected for a couple of months, coinciding with the expiration of a moratorium on data centers in the area, currently set for November. The ongoing dialogue highlights the tension between economic development and community concerns in rural areas facing large-scale industrial proposals.