Hearing on $10 billion data center set for Van Wert, Ohio

A public hearing was held in Van Wert, Ohio, concerning a proposed $10 billion data center project, which has expanded from an initial 200 acres to 900 acres. Developer Thor Equities, prompted by an ambitious end user, is behind the project. Brent Stevens, Executive Director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, noted the expansion and highlighted the site's suitability due to flat ground, power, and gas infrastructure. Community feedback at the hearing was largely opposed, with many residents raising environmental concerns such as potential dropping water levels, noise, and light pollution, and impacts on property values. The activist group Conserve Ohio was present, collecting signatures for a petition to amend Ohio's Constitution to bar future data center construction, citing a lack of transparency. Proponents, including Van Wert resident and Marsh Foundation trustee Bob Gambel, emphasized the project's economic benefits, including up to 250 permanent jobs and over 1,000 temporary construction jobs, along with substantial tax revenue. Van Wert's City Council, which will decide on annexing and rezoning the land for the data center, listened to the feedback. Council President Thad Eikenbary denied accusations that council members had signed non-disclosure agreements regarding the facility. A vote on the annexation and zoning could occur as early as the next week or in the coming weeks, without a set guarantee.