Northeast Ohio voters approve data center restrictions in November elections

Residents in Northeast Ohio approved measures to regulate data centers on Nov. 3, with three of four ballot issues imposing new restrictions on development. The results reflect a growing local push to limit the size and impact of these facilities on small communities.

In the city of Hubbard, Trumbull County, voters passed a total ban on data center development with approximately 76% of the vote. The measure followed a petition by residents who learned Mayor signed a non-disclosure agreement with a developer. Katie Matola-Costello, a petitioner, stated that residents were told they had no power to stop the project. City Council President Mike Mogg noted the developer is no longer communicating with the city and appears to have dropped the project. The city had previously passed a one-year moratorium in June.

Conneaut voters in Ashtabula County approved a charter amendment by a two-to-one margin. The new rule prohibits data centers larger than 25 megawatts from the city. This threshold effectively excludes hyperscale facilities, which often require 100 megawatts or more. Joel Specht, a resident who helped lead the petition, cited the need to protect Lake Erie, Conneaut Creek, and local farmland. A feasibility analysis for an industrial park is currently underway in Conneaut, but no formal proposal is pending.

In Perry, Lake County, voters approved an ordinance with 87% support that requires financial guarantees from developers seeking tax abatements. Village Councilmember John Nicely explained that the rules ensure developers pay full taxes or secure bonds to meet milestones. The village passed a one-year moratorium in October, but it excludes land with an existing purchase agreement that expires in summer 2027. Nicely believes the citizen-passed ordinance will not violate that agreement. Mayor Elias Coss declined to comment on the issue.

Monroeville in Huron County voted on an advisory question regarding a potential data center known as Project Eagle Ridge. The proposal, led by Decimal Digital Currency, failed with 87% of voters opposing it. The village council will weigh the results as it considers the development. Council President Christina Raferty noted that the village lacks major industry and needs infrastructure upgrades, particularly for the sewer system. She stated the project could help cover the cost of such improvements if the EPA mandates them.