Village of Archbold holds off on data center moratorium, shifts focus to zoning

The Village of Archbold, Ohio is facing concerns from residents about a potential data center development, but village officials say they are not implementing a moratorium at this time. According to Village Administrator Aaron Alt, the village attorney has advised council that a moratorium is not necessary because there is currently no formal proposal, zoning request or plan to build a data center in Archbold. However, Alt said the village does have a moratorium drafted and ready to go if needed. Both Mayor Bradley Grime and village administration stressed that, regardless of the lack of a formal proposal, the village does not want a data center and is committed to preventing one from coming to the community. Instead of focusing on a moratorium, the village is now shifting its attention to updating zoning regulations with the goal of proactively preventing data centers from being built in Archbold in the future. Officials said this zoning work will help clarify permitted uses and close any potential loopholes, even if no development proposal is currently on the table. Mayor Grime acknowledged residents' concerns and said the village wants to make sure it is ready for any potential data center proposals in the future, but that zoning changes take time and must be done correctly to hold up legally. He emphasized that the village is not opposed to economic development overall, but that a data center is simply not something they want to see in Archbold.