Archbold resident raises concerns about potential data center; council reiterates opposition

At its June 1, 2026 meeting, the Archbold Village Council heard a public comment from resident Susie Wyse urging the Village to push back against a speculated data center project and seeking clarification on earlier meeting references to local development.

Wyse, who described herself as a generational landowner in the area, said she was adding her voice to concerns raised in prior meetings and pointed to“the potential issues connected to backup generators and the sound frequency,” asking who the Village was consulting about any zoning changes.

Mayor Brad Grime and council members responded that they were committed to prioritizing the Village and said they were not in favor of a data center. Village Administrator Aaron Alt told the meeting the Village is partnering with consultant Glenn Grisdale of Reveille, Hagans and Bohmer and with Columbus attorneys on zoning matters.

Alt also defended the Council's approach to fast-tracking certain measures, saying that many emergency declarations are used for “simple housekeeping” to avoid the significant delays that would result from three separate readings and a 30-day wait; he added the longer process is reserved for matters with direct public impacts such as utility rate changes.

Council did not take formal zoning or legislative action related to a data center at the meeting. Several attendees discussed an ongoing petition; Rita McQuillen, who was honored at the meeting for 25 years owning Samuel Mancinos, thanked Council for publicly opposing the data center, while other community members said they hoped the petition would help. Council members said they will continue preparing in case proposals proceed.

The council’s next stated steps on the issue were limited to continued review with consultants and legal counsel; no vote or ordinance on zoning was recorded at the June 1 meeting.