Microsoft’s proposed data center in Perry Township, Ohio, sparked discussions among local residents during a recent community meeting. The tech giant plans to develop up to 350 acres along state Route 75 into a major data center campus. While the project promises to boost the local economy, residents raised concerns about potential noise, traffic, and environmental impact.

At the meeting, local resident Steven Bennington addressed earlier rumors of heavy water consumption. He clarified that Microsoft plans to use a closed-loop cooling system to recycle water, reducing the strain on local resources. John Recker, from American Electric Power (AEP), assured residents that the existing high-tension lines could meet the power demand. A new substation will also be constructed to support the facility’s energy needs.

Mayor Sharetta Smith expressed optimism, viewing the project as an opportunity to diversify the local economy. However, residents continue to worry about tax implications and how the data center will affect the community. Microsoft representatives, who were not permitted to speak to the media, did not provide further details.

Ohio’s growing appeal as a data center hub, fueled by affordable land and power availability, has drawn the interest of tech companies like Microsoft. While Lima has only one existing data center operator, Microtronix Datacenter, larger cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are leading the state’s data center boom.

Perry Township trustees will hold additional public meetings before making a final decision, expected in November.