## Grove City Enacts Moratorium Amid Data Center Debate

The Grove City Council voted 6-1 on June 1, 2026, to impose a 12-month moratorium on data center development, pausing approvals for a proposed 310-acre campus and other projects while the city studies potential impacts. The vote followed a nearly three-hour meeting that drew a packed audience and featured a presentation from Headwater Site Development on “Project Maple,” a planned data center campus near Bady and Wrench Roads. The company emphasized low water usage, noise mitigation and community benefits, but residents voiced deep skepticism about developer promises regarding water consumption, noise, power demands and job creation.

Councilmember Ibrahim Omar introduced the moratorium ordinance, which was amended to exclude hospitals and schools, create a task force comprising all council members, and require a progress report within six months. The measure passed as an emergency, meaning it took effect immediately. Councilmember Mike Holt cast the lone dissenting vote. The council also withdrew two related resolutions that would have established an administration-led data center review committee.

The developer’s law firm, Plank Law Firm, sent a letter threatening litigation if the moratorium passed, according to council members. “This is not a kick the can down the road,” Councilmember Anderson said during closing comments. “This is a real topic. It is a real thing that is happening.”

## Dublin Advances Zoning Changes to Restrict Data Centers

In Dublin, the City Council held a first reading on June 8, 2026, of Ordinance 33-26, which would create a new ID-6 research transition district in the West Innovation District. The amendments would remove data centers as permitted or conditional uses, impose a 200-foot setback along Cosgray Road, limit building heights to 45 feet, and require enhanced landscaping. Residents from Ballantrae and Hootard Road urged council to adopt the ID-6 zoning for land west of the railroad tracks, arguing it provides stronger health, safety, and environmental protections than the existing ID-2 and ID-3 designations. A second reading is scheduled for July 1.

Earlier, on May 26, 2026, a public commenter raised concerns that a code supplement omitted a 2025 council motion making data centers conditional use in ID3. Staff acknowledged the issue and promised to verify. The council also voted 6-1 to remove a long-tabled zoning code amendment for the West Innovation District from the table and place it on the July 1, 2026 agenda for an additional reading and public hearing. The ordinance, originally tabled last August, addresses compatibility concerns while preserving the district’s long-term development vision.

## Columbus Approves Apartment Complex Amid Housing Shortage

While not directly about data centers, the Columbus City Council’s June 8, 2026 vote to approve a 112-unit apartment complex at 2100 Hard Road illustrates the broader land-use pressures facing Ohio communities. The council voted 7-1 despite strong opposition from nearby residents and a disapproval recommendation from the Development Commission. Councilmember White, who represents the district, cast the sole dissenting vote, citing overwhelming resident opposition and procedural concerns. Under the approved plan, 30% of the units will be reserved for households earning at or below 80% of the area median income.

## Westerville Postpones Uptown Redevelopment After Public Uproar

Similarly, the Westerville City Council on May 19, 2026 postponed a vote on the proposed sale and redevelopment of 64 East Walnut Street following nearly two hours of public opposition. Residents criticized a lack of transparency and the scale of a project that included a five-story parking garage, 247 apartments, and 81 hotel rooms. The council voted unanimously to delay further consideration until September 15, 2026, and directed staff to hold two additional public open houses.

## Balancing Growth and Community Concerns

These cases reflect a common challenge: local governments must balance the economic benefits of large-scale development—whether data centers, apartments, or mixed-use projects—against the concerns of residents about traffic, environmental impact, and neighborhood character. In Grove City, the moratorium gives the city time to study data center impacts. In Dublin, zoning amendments aim to protect residential areas. In Columbus and Westerville, public opposition has led to delays or dissenting votes. As data center demand grows, Ohio communities will continue to grapple with these issues.