ASHVILLE, OH — The quiet streets of Ashville have become the backdrop for a high-stakes political showdown as the Village Council weighs a massive $102 million development deal with global data center giant EdgeConneX.
As of Monday, March 16, 2026, the council is navigating the final readings of Resolution 06-2026. While the deal promises to solve the village’s looming $35 million EPA-mandated infrastructure crisis, a growing contingent of residents and political activists are preparing a nuclear option: a village-wide referendum.
The Deal: A “Financial Lifeline” or a “Sell-Out”?
At the heart of the debate is a proposal that would bring hyperscale data center buildings to a 195-acre site already zoned within the village.
- The Pro-Deal Argument: Village leaders, including Administrator Bert Cline, warn that without the data center’s funding, Ashville residents could face water bill increases of nearly $125 per month to cover required sewer and water plant upgrades. EdgeConneX has offered up to $35 million in escrow specifically for these infrastructure repairs, plus $64 million for Teays Valley Schools.
- The “Emergency” Friction: EdgeConneX initially requested the deal be passed as an “emergency” measure, which would have bypassed the standard 30-day waiting period and gone into effect immediately. However, Council members resisted the fast-track, opting for the standard three-reading process to allow for public scrutiny.
The Pushback: “The Sea of Red”
Public meetings have been standing-room only, with dozens of residents wearing red to signal their opposition. Activists, including local group Teays Valley Against Overgrowth, have voiced concerns over natural gas-powered energy facilities on-site, noise levels, and the loss of the village’s rural character.
The Data center has issued paperwork to the siting board that a need for an 800 Megawatt power plant for behind-the-meter generation, that would use natural gas turbines.
The Referendum Threat
If the Council votes to approve the deal, the battle likely won’t end at the council table. Political activists have publicly threatened to launch a referendum petition to put the decision on the ballot for voters.
Under Ohio law, if the council passes the resolution as a non-emergency (Currently the language is Emergency), residents have 30 days to gather enough signatures to stay the law. For Ashville, this would require roughly 142 valid signatures (10% of those who voted in the 2022 gubernatorial election).
If activists are successful in gathering these signatures:
- The Deal Stops: The agreement with EdgeConneX would be placed on hold.
- The People Vote: The issue would go to a public vote in the next general election.
- The Infrastructure Crisis Continues: A stay on the deal would leave the village without an immediate funding source for the $35 million EPA mandates, potentially forcing the very rate hikes the council is trying to avoid.
During the council meeting on 3/16/26, Council said EPA threats to take over the water treatment plant upgrades are 6 to 12 months out.
What’s Next?
The Village Council is expected to take a final vote in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, EdgeConneX is moving forward with a public information meeting for their proposed Ashville Energy Center (an 800-megawatt plant) on April 1, 2026.
As the 30-day clock looms, the question for Ashville isn’t just about data centers—it’s about who ultimately decides the village’s financial and environmental future: the elected officials or the voters at the ballot box.
