Public warns of lawsuits over proposed data center; council moves into executive session on litigation

A resident commenter at the Mount Orab council meeting on May 22 said the village faces three choices over a proposed data center project: proceed and expect lawsuits from many residents, stop the project and allow insurers to handle claims, or negotiate with the developer for a smaller build that might avoid federal 25-megawatt thresholds.

"Number one, we move forward with the data center and you get sued by more than probably half of the 4,200 residents of Mount Airy," the resident said, adding the village could instead pursue negotiation to reach a smaller, "manageable" project.

Earlier in the meeting a council member confirmed the data center committee's first meeting would be held May 23 in the same room and meeting notes would be posted on the website. Commenters asked whether the developer acknowledged the village moratorium; the council said the developer had been made aware but provided no detailed response.

After public comment, a council member requested an early executive session "pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(3)" to consult legal counsel on pending or imminent litigation. The council moved to go into executive session; roll-call responses recorded approval from the members present.

The meeting record does not show the council's discussion or any vote taken in open session on the data center at this meeting. Next steps noted publicly were the data center committee meeting on May 23 and the council's entry into executive session to consult legal counsel.