The Rossford Planning Commission voted to approve a special use permit and a preliminary site plan for a new data center slated for the Harmon Industrial Park. The project, proposed by QLEVR LLC, would cover just over 90,000 square feet and require up to 16 megawatts of power.
Economic promise and job outlook
Mayor Neil A. MacKinnon praised the development as an economic opportunity for the city. QLEVR estimates a $150 million budget and expects the construction phase to generate more than 400 trade jobs. Once operational, the facility would employ roughly 15 to 20 workers on a daily basis.
Community concerns
During the public hearing, residents asked pointed questions about accountability, environmental impact, and long‑term site usage. One resident urged the commission to “hold them to their promises” and asked what safeguards would be in place. Another sought information on any environmental studies that had been conducted.
Developer responses
QLEVR officials explained that the data center would use a closed‑loop cooling system, drawing about 282 gallons of water each day after an initial fill. They also said a privately funded substation would be built to support the power needs, and a sound barrier would mitigate noise for nearby neighborhoods.
The developers clarified that the facility is not a hyperscale data center and will not be used for artificial intelligence or cryptocurrency operations. QLEVR declined a request for an interview, but provided the technical details outlined above.
Labor and union involvement
A representative from IBEW Local 8 expressed interest in having union workers participate in the construction. “We’re the best at what we do, we’ll build this on time, on budget, and we’ll make sure that this is a project that Rossford is proud of,” the union member said.
Timeline and next steps
The company projects a construction period of 18 to 24 months. The final site plan and any performance guarantees the city is seeking remain pending. The mayor confirmed that no tax abatements were offered for the project and that no non‑disclosure agreements were signed.
As the planning commission moves forward, the city will continue to monitor the project’s impact on the community, ensuring that promised benefits materialize while addressing the environmental and accountability concerns raised by residents.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
