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Residents press council for study, moratorium as city advances data‑center overlay study
Summary
Public commenters raised water, noise and landscape concerns about a proposed 900‑acre data‑center site; city economic development staff says the site is power‑ready, expects about 195 permanent jobs and will pursue an overlay zoning district and public review before council votes.
Residents urged caution at the Feb. 24 Columbus City Council meeting as staff outlined early work on a proposed large data‑center site and on a technology overlay district that would set local standards for such projects.
Casey Burdett told council she and many constituents want more complete risk and impact assessments before the city commits to large data centers. “We simply need more information on the long term impacts of data centers before we have the reason to buy into it,” Burdett said in public comment, citing concerns about energy use, water consumption, noise and effects on natural waterways.
Troy Keller urged a 90– to 180‑day moratorium on approvals to allow time for study, citing a reported proposal called “Ruby,” described in public…
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