Development News for Massillon, Ohio

City Council Debates and Advances Data Center Zoning Regulations

The City Council considered Ordinance 60-2026, which aims to define and regulate data centers within the city's zoning code. The ordinance proposes definitions for large-scale (over 100,000 sq ft) and non-large-scale data centers, and outlines zoning regulations for I-1 (Light Industrial) and I-2 (General Industrial) districts. For I-1, setbacks are 80 ft front, 50 ft side, and 80 ft rear. For I-2, setbacks are 100 ft front, 75 ft side, and 75 ft rear, with increased setbacks if adjacent to a residence. The ordinance also mandates site plan review by a committee including the Mayor, Safety Service Director, City Engineer, and Director of Development. The council debated whether to allow data centers in I-1 or restrict them to I-2, and discussed potential amendments regarding electrical usage responsibility for grid upgrades, promotion of closed-loop water systems, and consideration of noise levels by the site plan review committee. Council members emphasized that this ordinance is a first step in establishing regulations for a new industry, not an immediate approval for any specific project. The current ordinance does not address tax abatements, which are considered a future council matter. The ordinance passed its first reading.

Community Voices Divided on Data Center Development Amid Zoning Discussions

During the discussion of Ordinance 60-2026 regarding data center zoning, residents and union representatives spoke about the potential impacts and benefits of data centers. Tim Phillips, a nearby resident, raised concerns about unresolved flooding issues, the number of remote employees, and the impact of noise from data centers, questioning the effectiveness of noise mitigation walls. Eric Hahn and Greg Bembenek, representing IBEW Local 540, expressed strong support for data center construction, highlighting the creation of permanent, well-paying jobs, and the economic benefits. They argued that construction employment is permanent and that data centers are critical infrastructure. Kurt Moore, also from IBEW Local 540, addressed concerns about water, electricity, and noise, stating data centers use closed-loop water systems, electricity prices are due to grid-wide supply issues, and noise levels at property lines are comparable to normal conversation. Adam Paisley, a resident, stated he heard no noise from BitDeer and supported its presence. Donald Scott, a long-time electrician, emphasized the importance of data centers for providing family-sustaining wages and economic development. Logan Hammer, an electrician and resident, proposed specific qualifiers for data center projects, including size limits, developer responsibility for infrastructure upgrades, dedicated water treatment, reduced tax abatement periods, project labor agreements, and independent environmental impact studies. James Leonard of Hillshire Clark Electric spoke about the significant local economic impact of data center construction and manufacturing. Brett McElfresh highlighted the need for industrial development like data centers to replace lost factory jobs and discussed potential synergies with other industries like hydrogen hubs. Amanda Hummel, a resident, called for independent grid studies, questioned the nature of data processed by centers, and advocated for tax incentives for existing local businesses. Council members expressed a desire to balance economic opportunity with community concerns, acknowledging the need for regulation and due diligence.