Stark County couple pushes back against proposed data center: 'Farmland that can never be replaced'

Anita and Sam Smith, who have lived on their Stark County farm for 43 years, are pushing back against Corscale's proposed Midwest Digital Gateway data center next to their property in Canton. The project would include approximately 1 million square feet of space across four two-story buildings on land annexed into the city. The couple says they were unaware of the plans when the neighboring property was sold and fears the development could permanently change the farmland, quiet and rural setting they have built their lives around.

The Smiths and other neighbors have attended meetings, collected signatures and posted "No Data Center" signs. Their concerns include potential noise, impacts on cattle and possible effects on well water. Corscale has said the project will create jobs and use technology to reduce water consumption, but the couple says uncertainty remains. The project still has the green light, with preliminary site work expected before construction, and Corscale had not responded to WKYC's request for comment.