A central Ohio township has taken decisive action to slow the rapid expansion of data centers in the region, citing resident concerns over noise, infrastructure strain, and quality of life.
Jerome Township, located near Plain City, Dublin, and Marysville, unanimously approved a nine-month moratorium last month on the construction of any new data centers. The pause is intended to give township leaders time to study the long-term impacts of the facilities and consider potential zoning or regulatory changes.
Residents living near existing Amazon data centers in Jerome Township have repeatedly raised concerns about constant noise pollution, often describing it as an “industrial buzz.” Others have pointed to the significant amounts of electricity and water required to operate data centers, warning that the increased demand could drive up utility costs for both residential and commercial customers.
The move comes as Central Ohio continues to experience unprecedented growth in the data center industry. While the nation is projected to see about 20% growth in data centers overall, Central Ohio has reportedly seen a significant increase in housing growth between 2020 and 2025. Online reports rank the region as the 10th largest data center market in the United States, fueling growing unease among residents and local governments.
Concerns are not limited to Jerome Township. In nearby Ashville, residents recently voiced strong opposition to a proposed EdgeConneX data center during a village council meeting. The nearly 600-acre project would involve multiple properties, some already zoned for light industrial use, along with annexation issues and existing agreements that village officials say complicate the decision-making process.
Despite those explanations, many Ashville residents expressed frustration, saying they remain unclear about how much authority village council or the public has in determining the project’s future. Opposition was visibly on display as residents wore red clothing and “No Data Center” buttons, while a lighted “No Data Center” sign stood outside in the snow during the meeting.
The proposed EdgeConneX data center and related annexations remain highly contentious. Residents continue to call for greater transparency and clearer communication from village leadership as discussions move forward, while communities across Central Ohio grapple with balancing economic development against environmental and quality-of-life concerns.
