Stark County grants final approval for Perry Twp data center tax break

Stark County commissioners have granted final approval for a 30-year, 75% property tax abatement for a 240-megawatt hyperscale data center in Perry Township, Ohio. This decision was the final step in securing a Community Reinvestment Area tax deal for the project, which is anticipated to be the largest single taxpayer in Stark County and represents a $2 billion investment.

The project is being developed by California-based real estate firm Panattoni Development Co., with Amazon expected to operate the facility. Commissioners Richard Regula and Bill Smith voted in favor of the deal on June 10, emphasizing the tremendous revenue, local sales tax benefits, and job creation for the community and local unions, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 540.

The data center, located along Faircrest Street SW, will be part of a Joint Economic Development District between Perry Township and Canton. Both the township trustees and Canton council members had previously approved the tax break agreement, which includes a $2.75 million upfront payment to Perry Township in exchange for the 75% property tax abatement. Canton will receive 2% and Perry Township 0.5% of income tax collections.

Despite the final approval, the project has faced significant opposition from Perry Township residents and other opponents who have voiced concerns for months regarding potential water use, noise pollution, and increased electric costs. Commissioner Regula acknowledged these concerns but noted the project had been vetted through the Stark County Regional Planning Commission and Perry Township's Board of Zoning Appeals.