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Scioto Township residents and farm leaders seek clarity over proposed data center and farmland threats
Summary
Residents of Scioto Township and local agriculture leaders urged Jackson County commissioners on March 11 for transparency about a proposed data center, citing environmental, water and electricity concerns and warning that farms could be lost to data centers or solar projects; commissioners invited residents to a March 17 community meeting.
Scioto Township residents and agriculture representatives asked Jackson County commissioners on March 11 for clearer information about a proposed data center, saying community members are worried about environmental impacts and possible infrastructure effects.
Teresa Davis, a Scioto Township resident, told the board she had heard rumors about a data center and sought clarification. "All the information that I have is rumor, and I would just like clarification," Davis said, adding that she had also been approached by ORC, which she said is contracted by AEP, about putting transmission lines on her property "but not an actual data center." Commissioner Donnie Willis said the commissioners had been informed that a private company had approached property owners but that the board had not been provided details on the company or its plans. Commissioner Jon Hensler noted the county does not have authority over private companies negotiating with private landowners unless countywide zoning is enacted, a step he said most constituents oppose.
The concern about data centers intersected with agriculture advocacy at the meeting. Kim Harless, Farm Bureau Senior Organization Director, joined Jackson‑Vinton board members Jessica Taylor, Alicia Viers and Sallie Sexton in recognizing National Ag Day and warning against taking prime farmland for industrial uses. The commissioners subsequently approved Resolution #41‑26 declaring March 15–21, 2026, National Agriculture Week.
The speakers asked for greater transparency from developers and utility contractors and invited commissioners to attend a community meeting on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Scioto Township Firehouse to hear residents’ questions and concerns.
Next steps: Commissioners said they would attend the March 17 meeting if available and will report any new information provided by residents or developers; no formal action on any data‑center proposal was taken at the March 11 meeting.
