Leaders turn down millions, reject annexation plan for Amazon data center
Leaders in St. Clair and Madison townships rejected an annexation petition for a proposed Amazon data center in Butler County, Ohio, despite a significant financial offer. Township leaders cited environmental and road maintenance concerns, as well as resident opposition. The final decision now rests with the Butler County commissioners after a public hearing.
Plans for a proposed Amazon data center in Butler County, Ohio, faced a significant setback this week when leaders from St. Clair and Madison townships rejected a petition to annex township land into the city of Trenton. The data center project would extend into both townships.
Township officials cited environmental and road maintenance concerns as reasons for their rejection, which occurred despite Amazon's offer of $5 million to each township, in addition to property taxes. The city of Trenton had previously agreed to facilitate the project. Residents, some of whom own property on or near the proposed site, expressed strong opposition, with one landowner, Joe Krueger, refusing to sell his 12.5 acres and voicing concerns about a loss of local democracy. Another resident, Abigail Green, cited potential health impacts due to pollution concerns.
While residents acknowledge the townships' responsiveness to their concerns, they remain cautious as the Butler County commissioners are scheduled to make the final decision on the annexation after a public hearing. The article also notes an ongoing lawsuit filed by residents and advocates against a different, already-under-construction data center located minutes away in Trenton, highlighting a broader pattern of community resistance to data center development in the area.