Residents outraged over proposed data center
Residents in Shalersville, Ohio, voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center by Bitdeer at a crowded town hall meeting, citing concerns about local power and water supplies, environmental impact, and noise. The township has an enacted moratorium on data centers, but trustees are unsure about their legal ability to issue a full ban.
Hundreds of residents in Shalersville, Portage County, Ohio, expressed strong opposition at a recent Town Hall meeting regarding a proposed data center by Singapore-based company Bitdeer. Bitdeer, which is also attempting another data center project between Niles and Weathersfield, presented their plans to the community.
Residents voiced concerns about various issues, including potential strains on local power and water supplies, impacts on the local environment, and noise pollution from the facility. One resident highlighted worries about local beekeepers and the constant humming noise. Despite Bitdeer addressing power usage, noise, and promising jobs and community contributions, many residents remained unconvinced, feeling the company was attempting to mislead them.
Shalersville Township currently has a moratorium on all data center developments until November. However, township trustees indicated that they might lack the legal authority to impose a complete ban, citing advice that they would likely lose in court. The trustees stated their efforts to negotiate the best outcome given their perceived limitations.