Citizens of the city of Waterville and the village of Whitehouse have taken the first step toward protecting their communities from oversized data‑center developments. Both municipalities received charter‑amendment petitions that would cap any new data‑center construction at 10 megawatts, a level far below the 25‑megawatt limits adopted by nearby towns such as Defiance and Oregon.
Local volunteers drive the effort
Lyn Cox, the Lucas‑ and Wood‑county lead for Conserve Ohio, explained that volunteers have been gathering signatures for months. “In Whitehouse we needed about 65 signatures, and in Waterville roughly 90, but we collected well beyond the required threshold,” Cox said.
Why the cap matters to residents
According to Cox, the residents she spoke with worry that a large data‑center could raise water and energy rates and alter the rural character that defines their towns. “They’re concerned about fundamentally changing the rural character of their town,” she added.
Petition process and next steps
The Waterville petition was delivered on Friday morning, while the Whitehouse petition arrived on Thursday. Both local governments have confirmed receipt.
Whitehouse Village Hall issued a statement noting that the village administration has not yet reviewed the petition in full. The statement said the petition will be forwarded to the Board of Elections for signature verification, after which the Village Council will decide how to proceed.
Waterville Mayor Tim Pedro said the city’s law director will review the language and send it to the Board of Elections. “Then it comes back to the city probably 10‑12 days after that,” Pedro explained.
Timeline for a ballot measure
Neither mayor could say when the measure might appear on a ballot. Pedro noted that it could be placed on a May primary or a November general election, depending on logistical factors. Cox added that, under Ohio law, a special election must be scheduled between 60 and 120 days after the signatures are certified.
State‑wide effort
Conserve Ohio is also gathering signatures for a statewide constitutional amendment that would limit data‑center construction to 25 megawatts anywhere in Ohio. The organization argues that such limits are essential to safeguard water supplies, keep energy costs affordable, and preserve the character of Ohio’s rural communities.
What this means for local control
These petitions illustrate a growing grassroots movement in Ohio to keep powerful, energy‑intensive facilities in check at the local level. By seeking a 10‑megawatt cap, Waterville and Whitehouse residents are exercising their constitutional right to shape the future of their towns, ensuring that growth aligns with the values of family, faith, and individual liberty that define their communities.
As the petitions move through the verification process, local officials and residents will continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing transparency and community input every step of the way.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
