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Commissioners urge SoftBank and Foxconn to coordinate with Lordstown officials after public concerns
Summary
Commissioners said SoftBank and Foxconn should meet directly with Lordstown officials and residents about a proposed facility there, urging improved communication and noting zoning and permitting are municipal, not county, responsibilities.
Commissioners discussed recent community concern in Lordstown about a proposed data facility involving SoftBank and Foxconn and urged the companies to work directly with Lordstown officials.
County officials said representatives from SoftBank met locally and that the companies may be unclear about the local permitting hierarchy. Commissioners told SoftBank representatives they should meet with Lordstown elected officials, the mayor, zoning officials and residents, because municipal zoning and permits govern whether such facilities can operate in Lordstown. County commissioners said their role is limited to brokering meetings and offering background-level support, not issuing local permits for Lordstown land use.
At the meeting, commissioners noted Lordstown council had tabled an emergency measure and planned three readings of zoning or ban language; county officials encouraged SoftBank to engage Lordstown officials and residents promptly to explain the project and address community concerns. County staff said some proprietary details remain confidential and that more targeted communication with local stakeholders is appropriate.
No formal county action was recorded on permits or approvals; commissioners emphasized that Lordstown officials are the appropriate municipal contacts for zoning and permitting matters.
