LORDSTOWN — Village council unanimously voted Monday to prohibit future data centers from operating in the community.

The 6-0 vote was met with applause and cheers from many of the 75 people who gathered at the village administration building.

Many residents spoke at the meeting, with most asking to ban any data centers, citing concerns with noise and large use of electricity and water.

Councilman Robert Bond said he voted for what the residents wanted, and he represents the residents.

“We as council need to do what your desires are on issues such as this. I am voting for the ban to protect the health, safety and welfare of the village. This is something I do not feel is appropriate for us, and I stand by that,” Bond said.

Village Solicitor Matt Ries said he received a letter from the proposed data center’s attorney challenging the proposed ordinance.

“With the advent of data centers, the courts are going to be seeing more challenges to them from municipalities,” Ries said.

He said the proposed data center’s attorney argued there needs to be a public hearing with a 30-day notice on the matter, but he said the Ohio Revised Code does not specifically address a ban of an entire industry or require a 30-day notice.

“It is difficult to say what will happen if litigation comes. A court may rule in favor of the village or in favor of the data center. I will defend the village against any lawsuit related to a data center,” Ries said.

He said village council has given three readings on the ordinance and heard public comments at all three meetings, with representatives of the land owners and the data center at those meetings.

“Everyone has had the opportunity to be heard,” Ries said.

Adam Glassman, an attorney representing property owners BHGH Properties LLC, said the land off Tod Avenue is already zoned industrial, which allows a data center. Glassman said plans were submitted by developer Bristolville 25 Developer LLC for a multifaceted data center.

He said he objects to the ordinance banning the data center.

“The public hearings have not taken place. We believe the data center ban is not right for the village. The village cannot, through its legislative authority, arbitrarily deny a property owner the right to develop their property,” Glassman said.

He said the ordinance passed by council is about zoning and the process has not been followed to pass the ordinance, noting three readings does not constitute a public hearing. Glassman asked that the ordinance be tabled and more thoroughly discussed at another meeting.

The proposed data center would be built on 133 acres in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, employing 120 full-time employees with an average wage of $84 an hour. The company estimated a capital investment of $3.6 billion and that it will employ an estimated 1,600 laborers to construct the facility.

Attorney Cary Snyder, who represents the developer, said there has not been enough information provided for council to act on the ordinance.

“You need to hear what Bristolville’s proposal can do for this community. There will be 120 jobs paying $84 per hour,” Snyder said.

He said no zone change is needed since the property is already zoned industrial.

“Do not rush this through without hearing more information. There needs to be a public hearing where more information can be gathered and expressed.” Snyder said.

Councilwoman Jessica Blank said discussion has taken place on data centers for several meetings allowing for input from anyone.

RESIDENTS’ REMARKS

Resident Tom Czoka asked those in the audience to raise their hands if they favor the ban on data centers, with a majority raising their hands in agreement.

“We are not against businesses. We are against the incorrect business coming to our village,” Laurie Czoka said.

Resident Mike Grimm said Lordstown already has enough industry with all the plants and does not need a data plant.

“I read an article where a data center can use enough power to take care of 2,000 homes. Why are so many places banning data centers? People outside of Lordstown are trying to tell us what is good for us. Council, please represent us the way we feel,” Karen Krisher said.

Resident Cheryl Kistler questioned why the developer waited until the last minute to submit the data center project

“You waited until the 11th hour on this and poked more cheese on the rat trap,” she said.

Jim Whaley of Lordstown said he supports data centers since it will bring jobs to the village and help younger people stay in the area.