Central Ohio city restricts data centers to ‘preserve its character’

Noise pollution. Water pollution. Air pollution. Light Pollution. Water usage. Environmental damage. Lung damage. Soaring electric bills. Serious health concerns.

Those are just some of the reasons many cities all over America are pushing back against data centers.

You can add “preserving its character” to this Central Ohio village’s list of reasons why they’re restricting data centers.

West Jefferson Village Council approved a resolution last month to oppose the development, construction, and operation of large-scale data centers. According to the resolution, Village Council intends to “discourage and restrict data center development that is inconsistent with the Village’s comprehensive planning objectives and community priorities.”

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The Council members cited the usual reasons, such as the strain on electric and water, as well as preserving the environment. But Council said they also simply want to keep the little village’s character intact.

“The Village Council desires to preserve its character, promote balanced
economic development, protect environmental resources, and prioritize development that aligns with the long-term comprehensive planning goals of the community,” said the meeting minutes.

While Central Ohio remains one of the fastest growing hotspots for data centers (and apparently, soaring utility bills) in the entire country, other surrounding suburbs are placing moratoriums on new data facilities, too: 

• Jerome Township
• Washington Township
• South Bloomfield
• Ashville

It’s worth noting that a $1 billion data center backed out of West Jefferson last year, due to power and energy constraints.

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