Residents press council on data-center risks, a neighbor—s overgrown hedges and park safety

Several Rossford residents used the public-comment period on April 27 to press the council on land-use and safety concerns.

Lauren Berlakamp, a Perrysburg resident and international communications professional, told council she had spoken at a neighboring township meeting and urged Rossford to be alert to the risks of clustered or hyperscale data-center development, citing a recent University of Cambridge study she said showed localized land-temperature increases near large facilities. "There are responsible ways on a much smaller scale with renewables that these data centers can be developed," Berlakamp said, and she asked whether minutes or legal opinions were publicly available. Mayor (S6) and staff replied that Rossford is seeking a measured, vetted approach and that the city had just adopted a zoning-text provision this evening to provide due process for such proposals.

Resident Beverly Zukowski told council she filed a complaint April 13 about an alleged "spite fence" composed of rows of arborvitae at 5 Riverside Drive that she says exceed Rossford code and reduce her property's sunlight and value. "The front yard has bushes up to 18 feet where Rossford City code only allows 42 inches," Zukowski said. Law Director Kevin Heben said the complaint was forwarded to the compliance coordinator and the city has engaged an independent zoning inspector, Jacob Barnes, to investigate and prepare a report. Heben said if a nuisance violation is found the property owner could apply for a variance to the board of zoning appeals or face enforcement remedies; the city would use a special prosecutor if needed because of potential conflicts.

Resident Diane Wolf thanked council for attention to park conditions and described encounters with ebikes and a mini-bike she said were operating at speeds unsafe for pedestrians, particularly children. Council and staff noted enforcement challenges distinguishing pedal-assist operation from throttle usage and said officers are seeking to educate riders; the public-safety committee said it will consider extra patrols and possible adjustments to closing times.

Other public remarks included Brandon Elliott introducing FalconForge and offering AI-spoofing safety briefings for local governments at no cost. Council took the comments for the record and outlined next steps: the independent inspector will investigate the hedge complaint and report back; the planning commission will review the referred zoning-text amendment; and staff will continue public-safety follow-up on ebike complaints.