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CHAMPION – Members of the Champion zoning board say they want to be prepared in the event that someone wants to locate a data center in the township.
The commission met Wednesday where Silas Dozier, board vice chairman, presented information on data centers from Hubbard Township, Trumbull County Commissioners, the Trumbull County Planning Commission and other entities for the five-member Champion board to review.
Dozier said he received a lot of literature on data centers for the board to review before they meet again at 6 p.m. Oct. 21.
“I made copies of the literature I received so each member can do their own research and review,” Dozier said.
He said he and other members will prepare a draft on guidelines and regulations because there is nothing in the township zoning codes that specifically addresses data centers.
“We are starting with this tonight, and it will not happen overnight. We have zoning text examples that deal with data centers,” he said.
In addition, Zoning Inspector Gerry Brown also provided information to the board on data centers throughout the state of Ohio to review. Dozier said he plans to review as much of the materials as possible this week to be prepared for the follow-up meeting.
Dozier said to date, no one has approached the zoning department or any township official about a data center, but John Streidtfert, chairman of the zoning board, said the board wants to be proactive and prepared.
He said if a data center or any other business wanted to the locate in the township, the former Copperweld Steel property would be the most likely location since it is close to the Mahoning River and would have a lot of electricity available.
Dozier said the board also would like to see about possibly having a combined meeting with neighboring townships such as Bristol, Bazetta and Southington, to meet in the future to discuss data centers.
“It would be a good idea to have a meeting with our surrounding communities. We can hear from different people and get ideas of what people want and do not want,” Dozier said.
Also at the meeting, the board addressed business signs in the community, including what will be allowed for the new Mercy Health emergency center off Educational Highway.
Dozier said the board also is discussing how to get rid of old signs at businesses in the township that have been closed, including some for several years.