Residents press Norton City Council to block proposed data center near Cleveland–Massillon Road; council to prepare moratorium

Dozens of residents who said they live within a half-mile of a 92-acre property near Cleveland–Massillon Road urged Norton City Council on Oct. 20 to block a proposed data center, arguing it would cause nighttime noise, vibration and other safety and quality‑of‑life impacts.

The public outcry prompted council members and city staff to tell speakers they would prepare legislation for the next council meeting to impose a moratorium on future data‑center permit applications in the affected zoning classification. Council leadership also said, without approving any final contract, that the city would not release the mine property for development while the matter is under review.

The question matters because residents said the site abuts neighborhoods in Norton and Barberton and raised concerns that continuous power equipment could cause low‑frequency noise and vibration at night, strain local water supplies and require large fuel or power deliveries. Several speakers also said they had uncovered conflicting or incomplete information about the companies proposing the project and asked the city for stronger vetting and buffer standards.

“Those huge motors sound like a half a mile or more away,” said Edward E. Stevens, who identified himself as a Barberton…