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Resident urges Pataskala council to study data-center impacts
Summary
At the meeting, a resident warned the council of an "energy crisis" tied to data-center growth, raising concerns about electric demand, water use and tax abatements and urging conditional-use restrictions and more citizen engagement.
A resident who identified himself as Mr. Brush told the Pataskala City Council that the city should take a cautious approach to data centers, saying an influx of facilities could strain local utilities and shift costs to residents.
"Energy crisis looming due to influx of data centers," Mr. Brush said, warning of rising electricity demand and increased water use and noting that some companies seek tax abatements. He suggested the council consider conditional-use parameters that would require data centers to bear their own electricity costs and urged more discussion with citizens and planners.
Mr. Brush cited projected growth in central Ohio and referenced state-level bills and committee activity aimed at limiting the extent to which utilities and the public shoulder costs tied to large facilities. He said the city should review proximity to subdivisions and potential impacts on the central city before approving additional sites.
The comment period did not lead to any formal action at the meeting. Council members acknowledged the concerns and committee and staff reports later in the meeting covered planning and utility coordination topics that will inform future consideration.
The council did not vote on any data-center-specific policy at this meeting; residents and council members may raise the topic again in planning or committee sessions.
