Village passes 12-month data center ban
The Village of McDonald, Ohio, enacted a year-long moratorium on data center development following resident concerns. This temporary ban will allow the village council to update zoning ordinances to address potential impacts like noise, power usage, and environmental effects. The decision comes after a Minnesota-based developer, Opadan, expressed interest in building a massive data center complex.
The Village of McDonald in Ohio has enacted a year-long moratorium on data center development, a decision driven by significant resident concerns regarding a proposed project. The village council's move was met with applause in the chambers and aims to allow sufficient time for officials to update zoning ordinances to specifically address data centers and their potential impacts on the community.
This temporary ban follows news that Opadan, a Minnesota-based developer, expressed interest in constructing a substantial data center complex at the former McDonald Steel site. Residents have voiced worries about various effects, including noise, power usage, and environmental concerns. An unnamed civil engineering expert emphasized the commitment to making informed technical and environmental decisions that prioritize resident safety and well-being.
Public records revealed that McDonald Mayor Ray Lewis had been in communication with data center developers for years regarding bringing such a project to the village. Despite his denial of prioritizing company interests over residents, Mayor Lewis declined to comment after the council meeting. Many villagers advocated for the moratorium due to a perceived lack of public information on the rapid development progress, stressing the need for more time to gather input and ensure adequate protections for the community.