Barberton residents urge Norton officials to halt proposed data center and LNG plant over water, safety and noise concerns

Two Norton residents warned Barberton City Council on Sept. 8 that a proposed data center and on-site liquid natural gas (LNG) power plant on the former PPG site in Norton could have substantial effects on Barberton’s water system, air quality and neighborhood safety.

Resident Kate Raymond said the proposed project would “consume vast amounts of water annually,” and that the developer has discussed buying water from Barberton. “By adding a data center in our community, it would be like adding an additional 2,000 residents dropped on your utilities right out of the gate,” Raymond said. She also described plans for “6 natural gas turbines, essentially creating a giant liquid natural gas power plant on-site.”

Why it matters: Raymond and other speakers told council that the proposal could strain the Wolf Creek watershed and Barberton’s drinking-water supplies, create new noise and emissions near neighborhoods and a school downwind, and increase rail or pipeline traffic carrying LNG through populated areas. Council members and the mayor said they had not yet received direct briefings from Norton and that more information is needed before Barberton could take formal action.

Resident Glenn Yasko told council that federal greenhouse-gas rules have recently been relaxed and said the project’s carbon dioxide emissions “we all share the same air.” He pointed council members to minutes of the Norton planning commission meeting, saying Barberton “owns the first 10 feet of easement to Limestone Drive. You could halt this project in a New York minute.”

Mayor Jennifer Hager told the chamber she has not been contacted by Norton for briefings and that Barberton needs more information before acting. “We need to sit down and talk, and everyone needs to go to the meeting and ask questions,” she said, urging residents and council members to attend Norton hearings and request a public forum so questions can be answered.

Discussion vs. decision: The speakers’ appearance was in the utilities committee portion of Barberton’s meeting and constituted public comment; no formal action or resolution by Barberton council on the Norton project was recorded at the Sept. 8 meeting. Council members asked staff and the mayor to gather more information and to watch Norton’s planning process closely.

Context and next steps: Raymond and Yasko told council they have asked Norton’s planning commission for a public forum; they asked Barberton to support that request or otherwise seek clarity about impacts to Barberton infrastructure. Council members encouraged residents to attend Norton’s hearings and to submit questions and data requests. The mayor said city staff will research whether any Barberton easements or utility agreements give the city authority to intervene.

Ending: Council did not vote on or adopt any ordinance or formal position at the Sept. 8 meeting. Residents seeking updates were directed to follow Norton’s planning process and to request information from Barberton administration and the mayor’s office.