Marysville revises data center zoning to conditional use; Jerome Township faces transparency concerns with Amazon

The Marysville Planning Commission in Ohio has unanimously approved significant zoning updates for the Marysville East development project, consolidating five different sets of rules into one document. A key change directly impacts data centers, which were previously allowed automatically but will now require conditional use approval from the Planning Commission for each individual proposal. Aaron Underhill, an attorney representing developer The New Albany Company, stated that this modification was made in response to a shift in public opinion regarding data centers in Ohio, enabling the commission to provide input on future projects. The updated zoning plan will now proceed to the City Council for final consideration.

Separately, in neighboring Jerome Township, residents have voiced strong frustration over alleged lack of transparency and "behind-closed-door dealings" by township leaders. Resident Joseph Rivera accused officials of maintaining a "public records blockade" and alleged that secret non-disclosure agreements were signed with Amazon outside of public meetings. Due to these concerns, Mr. Rivera has filed a formal complaint with the Ohio Auditor of State. Residents also expressed alarm over a zoning change on Kile Road, arguing it violated the community's comprehensive plan and was approved by trustees after being rejected by the township's own zoning commission.