Canton residents oppose proposed Project Shelby data center citing environmental and historical concerns
Residents in Canton, Ohio, are voicing strong opposition to the proposed "Project Shelby" data center planned for the former Ford plant. Concerns stem from the project's proximity to a Republic Steel brownfield site, which has known lead air quality issues, and a perceived lack of transparency from developers. Opponents highlight historical environmental injustices and health risks to the community.
Residents of Canton, Ohio, are actively opposing the proposed "Project Shelby" data center, slated for construction at the former Ford plant, which they claim lacks transparency. The concern is particularly acute for residents living within 1.6 miles of the site, including an early childhood and adult day care facility located less than a mile away.
The opposition is amplified by the site's proximity to the Republic Steel brownfield, an area the U.S. EPA designated as a concern for lead air-quality standards in March 2023. Ohio recently granted another $300,000 Brownfield Remediation Grant to assess the Republic Steel site, further highlighting ongoing environmental issues. Residents allege that the same individuals who successfully fought a solar farm in Washington Township are now advocating for this 320-megawatt data center, which would be located near a community historically affected by redlining and environmental poisoning from the steel plant. A&J Urban Development, operated by Steve Coon and Todd Pugh, owns the property.