Ravenna Planning Commission Hosts Meeting on Data Centers

The Ravenna Planning Committee of the City Council held a hurriedly scheduled public meeting to discuss a proposed data center at the North Chestnut Commerce Center. The meeting, despite its awkward timing, saw a large turnout of concerned citizens from Ravenna and surrounding areas, including Shalersville, Warren, and Windham, as well as out-of-state residents. Council at Large, Carmen Laudato, initiated the discussion, expressing alarm over the proliferation of data centers across the state and their potential for increased pollution, noise, and limited permanent job creation. Committee member Amy Michael cited Tallmadge's efforts to block a data center, suggesting a similar proactive approach for Ravenna, specifically a temporary ban to allow for comprehensive study. Committee Member Christina West emphasized the need for an informed choice, stating there would be "no second chances" once a data center is approved. Concerns raised by council members and residents included the Ravenna treatment plant's insufficient capacity for the data center's water demands, potentially necessitating a costly Class 4 facility and increasing water bills. Other issues highlighted were electricity usage and grid upgrades, the minimal economic benefits to the community (only 2-3 permanent jobs), noise pollution, particularly low-frequency sounds impacting residents near University Hospital, Woodlands Assisted Living, and Ravenna City High School, and fire hazards from large batteries. Allison Laudato, an Aerospace Engineer, presented an objective overview, noting data centers require electricity equivalent to thousands of homes. Community input reinforced these concerns, with speakers like Denise detailing research on negative impacts such as increased utility costs, energy demands prolonging fossil fuel use, water discharge including PFAS, noise exceeding 90 decibels, property value decline, and short operational lifespans. Will Hollingsworth from Reed Memorial Library described data centers as "resource extraction," while sound engineer Donald Rankin elaborated on the health risks of prolonged exposure to low-frequency vibrations. Sam Schultz of Conserve Ohio announced a statewide petition to block data centers over 25 megawatts. The committee concluded the meeting with a unanimous vote to advance a 12-month temporary moratorium on data center development to the full Ravenna City Council for consideration at a special meeting on April 20.