McDONALD — Some McDonald residents say they are concerned over the possibility of a data center locating in the village, but officials say nothing of such a project is official or has been brought to the planning commission.

Residents at Thursday’s village council meeting told officials they have heard rumors that a data center may be interested in the old McDonald Steel site.

Mayor Ray Lewis said that although Applied Partners McDonald, the owner of the property, has been demolishing the steel building and looking to sell the property, there have been no site plans submitted to the village for any specific business.

“Anyone who wants to do business in the village, we would be open to discussion. No one has applied for anything,” Lewis said.

Lewis said the 237-acre property is zoned industrial.

“Rest assured, there are currently no plans for the mill property. Should there be any plans for the property, I and this council will have nothing but the village’s best interest in mind. We will be transparent with the residents and weigh the pros and cons of any business.” Lewis said.

Resident Sue Lipcovich said she was concerned when she heard a data center may be interested in the McDonald Steel property.

She asked council if they would consider preparing and passing an ordinance to prohibit data centers, like Lordstown village has recently done.

Lipcovich said she is concerned about the noise and bright lights from a data center, and the effect on water and electricity.

Resident Bob Steele said he has heard much talk about a data center in the community. He feels it is important that there be communication with the public about this issue.

Lewis said transparency will always be a major priority.

“We need to make sure everyone is on the same page and understands what the people in McDonald want,” Steele said.

Lewis said the mill property owners have been demolishing the mill building and will have 237 acres of land available for a business to locate there.

Lewis said he is sure the owners have talked to different businesses that may be interested in the property. Any business interested in locating there would be reviewed by the planning commission.

Lewis said officials would not support a business that would harm the quality of life of the residents, but if there was a business that would benefit the village, he would support it.

“If a business wants to come in and bring two jobs or 200 jobs, I would support it,” he said, indicating he does not expect there to ever be another McDonald Steel there.

Councilman Don Smith said that since McDonald Steel closed, the village has seen a nearly $200,000 loss in taxes and revenue.