Massillon residents voice concerns about new data center near school
A data center is proposed at the former Standard Testing Lab site on Harsh Avenue SE in Massillon, near Washington High School. The Massillon Planning Commission recommended rezoning the property for heavy industrial use, but City Council must make the final decision amid residents’ concerns about noise, location, water use and community impacts.
LEG Centrum is seeking to rezone roughly 10 acres at the former Standard Testing Lab site in southeast Massillon for a smaller-scale data center. The Massillon Planning Commission voted 6-0 on Oct. 14 to recommend changing the property from light industrial to heavy industrial zoning, with the request expected to go before Massillon City Council in early November.
The project would be located near Washington High School, and most residents who spoke at the planning meeting opposed the proposal, citing potential noise, its proximity to the school and concerns that community input was being outweighed by financial considerations. LEG Centrum’s Sam Khouri said the facility would not exceed 40 megawatts and could use about 5,000 gallons of water per day. City Council recently adopted data center zoning rules requiring setbacks and proof of adequate water, electric and wastewater capacity, along with noise certifications.