Genoa data center debate continues as council works to address resident concerns
Residents in Genoa, Ohio, are continuing to voice concerns about a proposed data center, particularly regarding potential noise, water usage, and impacts on home values. The village council is actively addressing these concerns, including proposing a 1000-foot setback and researching noise levels from existing data centers.
The debate over a proposed data center in Genoa, Ohio, continues as residents once again brought their concerns to the village council. For the past three years, the empty lot south of State Road 163 has been considered for development, with the data center proposal prompting significant pushback.
Residents expressed concerns about potential lasting effects, including a decrease in home values, reduced water availability, and an annoying humming noise. In response to these worries, the village council indicated they would require a 1000-foot setback along State Road 163 for the data center, which is three times greater than the setback for the Hilliard Status Center near Columbus. Council members traveled to Columbus to gather insights, specifically on noise levels, and recorded approximately 42 decibels 230 feet from the site. The recent meeting also addressed questions about the data center's water source.
Village Council President Jacob Diver stated that as these concerns are addressed and mitigation measures are put in place, he believes more Genoa residents are warming up to the data center idea. He emphasized the council's role in implementing protections to prevent potential problems for residents.