$4 billion Ohio data center proposal on hold after tentative deal
A $4 billion Amazon data center proposal in Wilmington, Ohio, is on hold after a federal judge ruled that city officials cannot act on the project due to challenged zoning ordinances. Residents, led by Jessica Sharp, sued the city, alleging improper changes to zoning rules without public input. Sharp is also pursuing a ballot initiative for data center regulation in Wilmington.
A proposed $4 billion Amazon data center in Wilmington, Ohio, covering nearly 500 acres, has been put on hold following a federal court ruling. The decision came after Jessica Sharp and several neighbors filed a lawsuit against the City of Wilmington, arguing that city leaders changed zoning ordinances without providing the legally required public opportunity for input.
U.S. Federal Judge ruled that city officials are prohibited from taking further action on the Amazon data center project unless they first repeal, replace, or ratify the disputed ordinances. This ruling represents a significant win for the residents challenging the development.
Sharp emphasized that this case highlights a larger issue facing Ohio, where the state must balance economic development interests with the rights and needs of its residents. She believes that clear ground rules are necessary for how business is conducted in the state. In addition to the lawsuit, Sharp is actively working to introduce a data center regulation initiative on the ballot in Wilmington, allowing local voters to have a direct say in future data center developments.