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Residents and council debate data center annexation as EdgeConnects offers to answer questions
Summary
Speakers at the Village of Asheville meeting urged caution over a proposed data center annexation, called for interim noise and emissions rules and a village‑focused town hall; EdgeConnects offered regulatory clarification and to participate in a Q&A session.
Sue Moore, introduced to the council as the evening’s first presenter, told the Village of Asheville that the proposed data center represents an "inflection point" for the community and urged councilors to pause approvals until interim health and safety standards are adopted.
Moore said she compiled a timeline of notices and meetings beginning with an October 28, 2025 village newsletter and described growing public concern after a November town hall. She told councilors residents gathered 92 opposition signatures at a subsequent meeting and presented citations and handouts alleging health risks from low‑frequency magnetic fields, noise and air quality impacts. "This is your inflection point council," Moore said, urging the body to deny annexation and to adopt an emergency interim ordinance setting standards for noise, vibration and mechanical emissions so permits do not "lock in everything."
Moore also recommended that Councilman Teeters consider recusal from votes related to the data center because of matters touching the local school district, and criticized public statements by a village administrator that she called "ill advised" and "apparently incorrect."
Macy Ramsey, a market‑development representative for EdgeConnects, told the council that outside parties speaking at prior meetings were not part of EdgeConnects’ project team and said the company and its engineering partners were prepared to provide accurate answers about traffic, construction, permits and health and safety. Ramsey described regulatory oversight by state bodies, saying the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency have enforcement authority ranging from corrective measures to suspension or penalties. Ramsey said EdgeConnects would like to participate in a town hall to respond directly to community questions.
Several councilors said they favored a village‑centered town hall that starts with brief presentations from municipal staff or village engineers about parcels, zoning, infrastructure and what the council can and cannot control, followed by community questions. One councilor said having EdgeConnects on the stage as a primary presenter could make the meeting more contentious; another suggested EdgeConnects attend but not lead the presentation so that residents can "ask the questions" and hear neutral information first.
During public comment, Patty Hamelton of 22798 Morris Life Road asked councilors to prioritize integrity and transparency. Hamelton said local reporting suggested developer statements about school contributions and new school facilities were inaccurate; she cited a superintendent who said the district had not received direct contributions from EdgeConnects and a county official who said a different company, Vantage Data Centers, was the developer on a nearby project. "Where is the truth?" Hamelton asked, urging the council to avoid rushed approvals and to review EPA regulations.
An attendee who spoke later urged the council to require binding letters of intent from developers before approving zoning changes so community commitments are documented in writing.
The council did not vote on annexation at the meeting but discussed scheduling a town hall and agreed to further study and presentations to ensure community members have factual information. The council also noted that some items related to annexation and utilities were moved to second and third reading for future votes.
