ASHVILLE, Ohio — Village officials are responding to growing questions about a proposed data center project, emphasizing that no decisions have been made and that the project is being evaluated strictly under existing laws and agreements.
Village Administrator Bert K. Cline released a statement seeking to clear up public confusion, noting that the mayor, council members, and administration are legally obligated to follow ordinances, zoning laws, and the Will Serve Letter adopted in February 2022. Those regulations permit a data center development within the village.
“We can only plan for the future with the information we have at the time,” Cline said. “No one could have anticipated a data center wanting to come to Ashville.”
Cline compared the situation to the 2004 CEDA agreement, which created a binding requirement to annex certain township properties. He explained that past leaders often made decisions to protect Ashville from outside influence — such as from Columbus — but some of those decisions now create additional challenges.
According to Cline, no current village official is responsible for the circumstances that enable the proposed project. A developer has expressed interest in building in Ashville, and while they are not required to offer compensation to the village, officials say the proposal may represent an opportunity. Many communities, Cline noted, typically must provide incentives to attract large-scale development.
He emphasized that any agreements made with the developer would be formal, legally binding, and enforceable, ensuring residents can trust any commitments regarding infrastructure, environmental protections, or community benefits.
Cline also warned that opposing the project without legal success could leave the village with the development — but without any negotiated advantages.
“My biggest concern is that if we fight this and do not prevail, we lose time, resources, and any leverage to secure benefits for Ashville,” he said. “Collaboration will go much further than creating adversarial relationships.”
Officials stressed that while the past cannot be changed, residents still have an opportunity to help shape Ashville’s future. Cline encouraged community members to bring questions, ideas, and concerns directly to him, council members, or the mayor.
“Let’s work together to improve the future of our community,” Cline said.
