Defiance, Ohio – A citizen‑initiated charter amendment will appear on the November ballot, asking voters to restrict the size of data centers that can be built inside the city. The measure does not ban data centers outright; it would cap any facility at 25 megawatts of power.
Supporters cite community impact
Local business owner Sonya Mavis, one of the amendment’s primary sponsors, said her group gathered nearly 500 signatures, well above the roughly 235 needed to place the measure on the ballot. “It’s just banning data centers that are over 25 megawatts within city limits,” Mavis explained.
Mavis said residents she spoke with expressed concerns about higher water and energy bills, as well as noise and vibration from large facilities. “Because of that frequency, that vibration, the hum that comes off of data centers, they don’t want that in their community,” she added.
While acknowledging the importance of technology, Mavis argued that oversized centers are unnecessary for the town. “We don’t need a data center at 400 megawatts that can power Portland, Oregon,” she said.
Opponents warn of lost revenue
Opposing the amendment is Bryan Keller, CEO of Keller Logistics, which owns a 340‑acre parcel recently annexed into Defiance. Keller believes the land’s “highest and best use” is a data center, citing the natural gas supply, existing power infrastructure, and industrial zoning.
Keller warned that the size restriction could cost the city significant revenue. “They’re writing significant checks to the schools, they’re putting money into community development,” he said, emphasizing the fiscal benefits of a large‑scale facility.
He also noted that the property currently has no end user, but that a larger data center could attract a tenant and generate long‑term tax income.
City government’s stance
The Defiance City Council previously adopted a temporary moratorium on data center construction, effective September for six months, to study potential impacts. In a statement to 13 Action News, a city spokesperson said the municipality recognizes public interest in data center development and will evaluate proposals under existing zoning and review processes. The city declined to comment on specific projects, citing possible legal implications.
“Any proposed development is subject to the City’s applicable laws, zoning regulations, and established review and approval processes,” the statement read. “The City’s role is to evaluate development proposals in accordance with applicable law and the City’s adopted regulations, while considering relevant land‑use, infrastructure, public safety, and community welfare issues.”
What a “yes” or “no” vote means
A “yes” vote supports the amendment, meaning voters would reject large‑scale data centers exceeding the 25‑megawatt limit. A “no” vote would allow developers to pursue larger facilities, subject to existing zoning and any future council actions.
With the ballot measure set for the November election, both sides are urging residents to consider the balance between economic growth and preserving the character and affordability of the community.
Next steps
The city will continue its review of data center proposals while the ballot measure proceeds through the election process. Residents can learn more about the amendment and submit questions to the Defiance City Council or the municipal clerk’s office before the voting deadline.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
