St. Bernard considers data center moratorium amid proposal for old Ivorydale site
St. Bernard Village Council is considering a 12-month moratorium on data center developments following a proposal by CAI Investments LLC for a 150,000 square foot data center at the former St. Bernard Soap Company site. The village currently lacks specific regulations for data centers and intends to use the moratorium period to study their impacts and establish new zoning rules. The council is expected to vote on the moratorium at its next meeting.
St. Bernard Village Council in Ohio is set to vote on a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments. This move comes in response to a proposal from CAI Investments LLC to construct a 150,000 square foot, 24-megawatt data center at the former St. Bernard Soap Company site, part of Procter & Gamble's old Ivorydale facility.
Mark Wendling, the village's Director of Public Safety and Service, stated the moratorium is necessary to allow the village to study data center impacts and develop appropriate regulations, as their current zoning code does not specifically address such facilities. CAI Investments' attorney, Tom Breidenstein, presented the "small" data center proposal to the council in August, emphasizing its difference from hyperscale campuses. Breidenstein indicated that the data center tenant would withdraw if the moratorium is approved.
CAI Investments submitted an application for conditional use approval to St. Bernard’s Board of Zoning Appeals, arguing the data center functions similarly to a warehouse, which is permitted in the property's manufacturing district. The Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to review this application on October 12. Mayor Jonathan Stuchell affirmed the village's commitment to community well-being and willingness to work with the investment group to find the best use for the industrial asset. The neighboring Spring Grove Village Council and some St. Bernard residents support the proposed moratorium.