Construction has already begun on EdgeConneX’s planned two-data-center complex in Ashville, Ohio, yet voters still have to decide whether to keep or repeal the agreement tied to the project, which opponents say sits near homes and children’s play areas.
The ballot fight has become one of the clearest signs in central Ohio of local pushback against the rapid expansion of data centers and the massive power demands that come with them.
Here’s what to know
Among the five data center questions appearing on ballots in central Ohio, Ashville’s will ask voters on Nov. 3 whether to scrap the village agreement with EdgeConneX that governs negotiations over the two proposed facilities, NBC4 Columbus reported.
Even if voters repeal that agreement, the Ashville development would not stop. Backers of the referendum said the change would end special benefits for EdgeConneX and make the proposal follow the same village rules as other projects…