Trenton residents push back against massive data center with petition, statewide ban effort

Mara and Michael Gorman, owners of Gorman Farms in Trenton, Ohio, declined an offer from a data center developer to purchase 110 acres of their land for $75,000 per acre, expressing a desire to preserve their family farm. Despite resident objections, the Trenton Planning Commission subsequently approved zoning for a 220,000 square foot data center. Residents, including Barry Blankenship, voiced concerns about potential air and noise pollution, particularly the constant operation of data centers. Frustrated by feeling unheard during the planning commission meeting, they initiated a petition as part of a statewide citizen-led effort. This initiative aims to compel the Ohio Attorney General to allow residents to vote on bans for data centers exceeding 25 megawatts; the Trenton project is estimated at 250 megawatts. The developing company, Prologis, asserts the project will create 140 jobs and generate $120,000 annually in city utility fees. Blankenship is working to collect 20,000 signatures in Butler County, with a broader goal of 413,000 signatures statewide to support the proposed ban.