Grove City to vote on citizen push to block data centers
Grove City Council is expected to approve placing a citizen-led charter amendment on the November ballot that would require a public vote on future large-scale developments, including data centers. While certifying the measure for the ballot, the council will also vote to formally oppose it due to concerns over business burdens, property rights, and legal risks. This initiative follows a previous data center project that was blocked due to significant public opposition and comes after the city council enacted a one-year data center moratorium in June.
Grove City, Ohio residents will vote in November on a charter amendment requiring citizen approval for large-scale developments, including data centers. The initiative, led by Project Grove City, was prompted by public opposition that previously halted a 310-acre data center project earlier this year. The proposed amendment would apply to projects exceeding 50 acres, drawing over 20 megawatts of electricity, or consuming more than 500,000 gallons of water daily.
Although the Grove City Council is expected to certify the amendment for the ballot, enabling a citizen vote, council members will also formally vote to oppose the measure. The city expresses concerns that the amendment could burden businesses, limit property rights, and constrain local government, with the city's law director citing legal risks. American Nitrile, a major local employer, has reportedly threatened litigation due to potential business impacts.
Proponents of the amendment emphasize it will only affect new projects and aims to ensure residents have a voice in future city developments without necessarily stopping growth. This development comes after the city council already enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers in June. The council is scheduled to meet Monday at 7 p.m. to finalize placing the amendment on the ballot and consider their formal opposition.