Proposed data center at former Chillicothe paper mill draws support, concerns
Alignment Engine proposes a data center at a former paper mill in Chillicothe, Ohio, promising 240 permanent jobs. The proposal has generated mixed reactions, with concerns about water, power, and infrastructure demands amidst an active 60-day city moratorium on new data centers.
A proposed data center project by Alignment Engine at the former Chillicothe Paper Mill in Ohio has ignited community debate, as reported by 10TV's Libby Cathy. The company aims to transform 6.5 acres of the site into a high-tech campus, promising 240 permanent jobs for Ross County and Chillicothe.
During a two-hour public meeting, company representatives addressed residents' questions regarding jobs, resource usage, and the project's impact. The reaction was mixed; while some residents expressed support for job creation and the reuse of the former mill, others voiced concerns about water, power, and the transparency of the project. Resident Cheryl Mallow, for instance, questioned who would bear the financial burden of additional demands on the city's infrastructure.
Alignment Engine stated its intention to utilize the mill's existing power, wells, and wastewater treatment system to mitigate new infrastructure demands. However, the Chillicothe City Council is currently examining potential limits on issues like power, water, and noise. The city has a 60-day moratorium on new data centers in place, allowing council members more time to study the issue before making a final decision on the proposed project.