Massillon hires attorney to help address data center zoning rules

The Massillon City Council has taken steps to establish new guidelines for data center businesses looking to build in the city by approving $15,000 to hire attorney Terry Seeberger. Mr. Seeberger is tasked with formulating and presenting zoning recommendations for data centers, which the city's planning commission and council are expected to review and potentially adopt in the coming weeks. This move comes amidst growing concerns among Stark County residents regarding planned data centers, particularly one in Perry Township and a potential facility at the Massillon Technology and Energy Park. Massillon council recently altered a previously enacted 180-day moratorium on data centers, reducing it to a 60-day stay. City resident April Gise voiced strong opposition to the shorter period at an April 20 meeting, stating that 60 days is "not cautious enough" and that a data center, once built, would be permanent. Other municipalities in Stark County have also taken action, with Canton Township officials approving a one-year moratorium and Plain Township trustees approving a 12-month moratorium on data center construction earlier this month, citing public concerns over noise, electricity and water usage, wastewater effects, and aesthetics. Despite local opposition, Perry Township trustees approved a 30-year property tax abatement for a planned data center site.