LORDSTOWN — A developer of artificial intelligence data centers wants to build a $3.6 billion, 1.65 million square-foot campus in the village.

Bristolville 25 Developer LLC of New York, New York, sees the project as beneficial and transformative. Local officials echo that view.

However, a potential ban on AI data centers in Lordstown may stand in its way. The six-member village council will vote on the issue Monday. Bristolville attorney Cary M. Snyder, based in Cleveland, said Wednesday that the facility would not be subject to the ban.

In addition to millions in wages and taxes, Bristolville said it will spend at least $10.8 million to improve the village’s water system and fund its community needs.

“Bristolville believes that this project will be a mutually beneficial project for both their team and for the Village and they are prepared to discuss ways that they can help the Village as they invest millions into the community and create lasting jobs,” Snyder wrote in an email Tuesday to village officials.

“Bristolville stands as a willing partner with the Village of Lordstown and is looking forward to providing solutions for any concerns, including the Village’s longstanding water needs, noise / traffic concerns, and job creation to help stimulate the local economy.”

Bristolville, which builds AI centers nationwide, said that during the project’s peak construction it would employ approximately 1,600 laborers.

Upon opening, the data center expects to employ 120 full-time workers making an average of $84 per hour. Direct wages are tagged at $21 million annually with $11.4 million annually in indirect earnings.

“Importantly, the project is estimated to generate more than a million dollars in new state and local income tax revenues every year, and millions of dollars annually in local property taxes, providing a long-term, stable source of funding for local governments and school districts,” the correspondence said.

If the project proceeds, it will be the second AI facility in the village. It would join OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank Group Corp.’s Stargate campus on the site of the former GM complex. Announced in late September, the center will manufacture products specific to the AI industry and feature a proof-of-concept building.

“What I’m seeing so far, it excites me, because you’re talking about an investment bigger than I can ever remember anybody making here,” said Guy Coviello, president and CEO of the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber. “We’re talking about a bigger job growth than I would typically associate with data centers. We’re talking about a really big per-person salary, which means that we’re probably importing some very smart people.

“It (also) sounds like the company is willing to give back a lot to the community.”

The announcement represents more than jobs and revenue, he said.

“We’re going to have a brain gain, as opposed to our historic brain drain. That tells me that you’re bringing in people that have high levels of educational attainment,” Coviello said. “That’s what we’ve always wanted. That’s what any community should want.”

Village Mayor Jackie Woodward said Wednesday she supports the project based on its proposed location.

“My understanding is that this is going to be the southernmost parcel on Route 45 and on the west side of Route 45,” she said. “It would be south of the (former) Foxconn facility and up against the (Ohio) Turnpike. There would be no residents directly adjacent to it.”

Bristolville’s site review plan shows the data center property covering 98.68 acres in Lordstown and 34.38 acres in Jackson Township, Mahoning County. The property is owned by BHGH Properties LLC, Hudson.

Woodward noted that the proposal offers numerous benefits to the village.

“It could answer a lot of prayers for the village as far as projects that need to be completed,” she said. “They’re willing to invest in the community and services for the residents. That is something that is palatable.”

The mayor expects council to vote on an AI data center ban in its meeting Monday. Council voted 6-0 on the legislation’s first two readings.

“I haven’t talked to any council members yet to get their stance on this,” she said. “It’s still up in the air.”

If council members have a tie vote, Woodward can cast the tie-breaker. She does not have the legislative authority to override a council decision.

Bristolville’s attorney said that in light of the company’s announcement, village council may wish to hold off on its vote.

“Data centers are currently allowed in the village,” said Snyder, who plans to attend Monday’s council meeting. “I think we are grandfathered in by having started that process.

“(Right now) there is no ban, and we have formally started the site plan review process through the village’s formal procedures. … Why should we have that fight when we can sit down and have a conversation about this project and how it can really benefit the residents of Lordstown and the greater Lordstown area.”

The Regional Chamber president said he encourages Lordstown council to table the legislation.

“You don’t want to oppose something that’s going to help your community,” Coviello said. “It needs to be thoroughly researched and thought out.”