ASHVILLE, Ohio — A proposal to build a massive data center complex on 680 acres of farmland north of Ashville has triggered intense debate, drawing a standing-room-only crowd to Monday night’s village council meeting — many of them dressed in red to show solid opposition.
The project, proposed by global data-infrastructure developer EdgeConneX, would sit north of State Route 752 toward Weigand Road. While village officials say the development could bring major financial benefits, many residents argue it would permanently alter the character of the community.
A Deeply Divided Room
Opposition was immediate and highly visible. Residents packed the council chambers wall-to-wall, wearing red — a color organizers selected to signal unity against the project. Concerns ranged from environmental impact on the local aquifer and loss of farmland to transparency issues, noise, and fears about industrial sprawl.
Village Administrator Voices Support — With Caution
Village Administrator Bert Cline, speaking with Sciotopost, said he supports the proposal in principle, calling it a potential financial lifeline for Ashville. One of the biggest selling points, he said, is EdgeConneX’s agreement to cover the cost of a $35 million EPA-mandated infrastructure overhaul to separate storm and sanitary sewer systems.
“This could take the burden off the village versus the taxpayers paying for these things,” Cline said.
In a detailed public statement posted earlier this week, Cline expanded on that point, noting that without the data center’s funding, the mandated sewer project would cost every water tap in Ashville an estimated $127.33 per month for 30 years.
Additional financial promises include:
- $105 million to Teays Valley Schools over 15 years through the PILOT program
- $8–10 million annually to the Village of Ashville for the same period
- Funding for emergency services
- Independent power generation to avoid stressing the local grid
- A closed-loop water system designed to prevent excessive water use
Cline emphasized that while he supports the potential benefits, he is still researching environmental and health concerns and plans to visit other EdgeConneX sites before forming a final position.
Annexation Could Add Even More Friction
For the project to move forward, the property must be annexed into the village — a step that could spark conflict with Harrison Township. Annexation battles over large-scale developments have historically created long-term tensions between neighboring jurisdictions.
A Community at a Crossroads
Widespread frustration, uncertainty, and a demand for clearer answers dominated the meeting. While the developer promises major financial gains and infrastructure relief, many residents say the risks to farmland, quality of life, and environmental stability outweigh the rewards. Along with real questions surrounding large amounts of water usage, and the plant not being actually independent of the electrical grid could fall back on the village for many years.
Negotiations between Asheville and EdgeConneX remain in early stages, and no final decisions have been made.
Sciotopost will continue to follow updates as this highly contentious proposal unfolds.
