Data center developer meets with residents
Residents in McDonald, Ohio, are strongly opposing a proposed data center by developer Oppedin at the former McDonald Steel site. Despite a company presentation, residents are dissatisfied and are demanding their local council enact a 12-month moratorium on the project, citing concerns about safety, quality of life, and environmental impact.
Residents in McDonald, Ohio, voiced strong opposition and dissatisfaction following a presentation by Oppedin, a Minnesota-based data center developer. The company is proposing to establish a data center at the former McDonald Steel site, with plans for 9 to 12 buildings to be constructed over five years.
Community members criticized Oppedin's presentation as a generic "dog and pony show" that failed to address their specific concerns regarding the project's impact on their safety, quality of life, health, and peaceful environment. Oppedin stated they would adhere to all McDonald County and federal rules, and claimed no NDAs, incentives, or tax abatements would be involved, while noting the project's progression is contingent on factors like zoning, power, and environmental cleanup costs.
Residents are now demanding action from their local government, specifically urging the McDonald Village Council to enact an emergency 12-month moratorium on the data center development. A local watchdog report revealed previous email and text exchanges showing the village's eagerness to attract the project with little discussion of potential incentives for the community.