ASHVILLE, Ohio — March 2, 2026 — Ashville Village Council held the first reading Monday night of an emergency resolution tied to a proposed data center project but did not take action, opting instead to move forward with the standard three-reading process before voting.
Council is considering Resolution 06-2026, which would approve a Development and Supply Agreement term summary between the village and data center developer EdgeConneX. Although the measure has been declared an emergency — meaning it would take effect immediately upon passage — council members indicated they were not prepared to suspend the rules and fast-track the vote.
Several council members confirmed publicly that EdgeConneX intends to build a data center within the village. While some expressed optimism about the potential financial benefits, others voiced concern about the accelerated timeline and the request to approve the agreement just days after it was presented.
One council member said officials must consider “the next 50 years for our kids” before making a decision. Others said they were uncomfortable passing the measure as an emergency ordinance, describing the timeline as rushed.
The Proposed Project
EdgeConneX plans to construct two data center buildings and supporting infrastructure on approximately 195 acres within the village, identified as Pickaway County Parcel D1300350000100.
The company also intends to apply to the Ohio Power Siting Board for approval to construct and operate a natural gas-powered, behind-the-meter energy facility to supply electricity directly to the campus. The project would require multiple local and state approvals, including building permits and state energy siting certification.
$102 Million in Proposed Community Support
Central to negotiations is a proposed financial package totaling up to $102 million for the Village of Ashville, Harrison Township and the Teays Valley Local School District.
Under the current proposal:
- $64 million would go to Teays Valley for capital improvements, contingent on the school board supporting the energy facility. The district has struggled for years to pass levies aimed at expanding its overcrowded schools.
- Up to $3 million would go to the township fire department for training and equipment.
- Up to $35 million would be placed in escrow for EPA-mandated infrastructure upgrades within the village, including water, sewer and road improvements.
Village officials have previously acknowledged that Ashville operates one of the oldest water treatment plants in the state and faces more than $32 million in required upgrades. In recent meetings, administrators said that without outside funding, residents could see water bills increase by roughly $100 per month to cover costs.
An additional $74 million in future funding could become available if the village later annexes nearly 486 acres north of the proposed site and approves a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement. That breakdown includes:
- $10 million to Harrison Township
- Up to $32 million to Teays Valley
- Up to $32 million combined for a new village water plant and wastewater treatment expansion
Annexation is not required under the current proposal, and the council recently denied an annexation request tied to the site.
Infrastructure and Timeline
Under the proposed agreement:
- EdgeConneX would extend a 12-inch water main to the property at its own expense.
- The village would provide 50,000 gallons per day of water and wastewater capacity by May 31, 2027.
- The company would pay its proportional share of future wastewater expansion tied to its needs.
- The developer would contribute up to $100,000 for the village to hire professional advisors and cover legal and engineering review costs.
In a letter to the village, EdgeConneX requested a structured and expedited timeline, including passage of the resolution on March 2 and suspension of additional readings. The proposed schedule calls for completion of a final Development and Supply Agreement by early May, submission to the Ohio Power Siting Board by the end of April and a final state decision by October 2026. Construction could begin as early as mid-May if approvals are granted.
As part of the resolution, council would also acknowledge that the village’s existing data center moratorium, enacted in December 2025, would not apply to this project and would be suspended specifically for EdgeConneX.
Public Reaction
Several residents spoke against the project during Monday’s meeting, raising concerns about energy generation, environmental impacts, and long-term community effects. One resident who lives near the proposed site voiced support, citing the financial benefits the development could bring.
What’s Next
Council will hold two additional readings of the resolution before a vote unless members choose to suspend the rules at a future meeting.
Public information sessions are expected later this month, and action by the Teays Valley school board could occur before the end of March.
The coming weeks are expected to shape whether Ashville moves forward with what would be one of the largest private development proposals in village history — a project offering significant financial opportunity alongside long-term community considerations.
