Guernsey County is now the 11th in the region to see a proposal for a data center
Guernsey County in Ohio is considering a proposed data center development, but county commissioners and over 50 local residents are actively opposing the project. The opposition stems from concerns about the impact on agricultural land, natural resources, and the local water supply, particularly in an unzoned county.
Guernsey County, Ohio, could become the latest county in the region to see a data center development, but the proposal faces strong opposition from both county commissioners and a growing number of residents. Commissioner Jack Marlin stated that the public has spoken against data centers, a stance echoed by Commissioners Bill Cowgill and Dave Wilson, who questioned the economic value given existing state tax breaks and potential impacts on local water sources like the Pleasant City sole source aquifer.
The potential project involves local real estate agent Jason Miller, who owns 425 acres, and Smart Energy Partners CEO Rich Stokey, who is advising on site and power acquisition. Stokey, also a strategic energy advisor for Ohio CAT, indicated the project is in very early stages, with discussions covering site characteristics, power options including behind-the-meter natural gas generation, and fiber access, but no formal plan yet exists.
Despite the preliminary nature of the proposal, over 50 community members, led by Amy Kissinger and Geno Riley of "Guernsey County & Ohio: Data Center Developments," met to strategize against the development. Their concerns center on protecting agricultural land, infrastructure, and ecological resources. Residents are particularly worried about water usage and the lack of countywide zoning, which limits the commissioners' regulatory authority. While commissioners are against adopting countywide zoning, they are working with community leaders to organize a town hall meeting and residents are seeking state legislation to protect unzoned rural counties. The commissioners would have a say over any property tax abatements.