Muhlenberg TWP and Community Against Data Center and/or Power Distribution Build

Recent signers:
Jamie Lashuay and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

We appreciate the support. Please keep signatures to Muhlenberg TWP, surrounding townships and Westfall Local School District. This will help us logistically.

If you are outside this area please feel free to contact us to see how you can help!

Purpose

 We, the undersigned residents, property owners, parents, and concerned members of the public, respectfully submit this petition to formally oppose the proposed data center development and any associated electric power substation and/or generating facility planned for Muhlenberg Township, Circleville, Ohio. While we recognize the importance of technological infrastructure and economic development, we believe the combined scale and intensity of this proposal presents serious environmental, health, safety, and community concerns that outweigh any potential benefits.

Primary Concerns

1.      Proximity to School District and Child Safety Concerns: The close proximity to schools raises concerns regarding unknown long-term impacts on children, including exposure to persistent noise, light pollution, air emissions, electromagnetic fields, and increased industrial traffic.

2.      Environmental Impact: Data centers and supporting power infrastructure require extraordinary amounts of electricity and water. The addition of a power substation or generating facility raises concerns regarding emissions, heat output, fuel storage, runoff, and long-term environmental effects.

3.      Infrastructure Strain: The proposed facilities would place significant strain on local roads, electrical systems, water resources, and emergency services not designed for continuous large-scale industrial operations.

4.      Noise, Light, and Industrial Disturbance: Continuous operation of cooling equipment, substations, transformers, and backup generators may result in persistent noise, vibration, and industrial lighting affecting nearby homes and schools.

5.      Minimal Local Economic Benefit: Despite their size and resource use, data centers and related power facilities typically provide limited long-term employment while requiring substantial land use and infrastructure accommodation.

6.      Property Values and Community Character: Large industrial facilities threaten surrounding property values and undermine the residential and rural character of Muhlenberg Township.

7.      Safety and Emergency Risk: Electrical substations and generating facilities introduce risks including fire hazards, equipment failure, fuel storage concerns, and emergency response challenges.

8.      Lack of Transparency and Public Input: Residents have not received sufficient information regarding the full scope of the project, including associated power infrastructure, prior to approvals. We understand this is in its infancy therefore more information will come available in the future.

Our Request


·Deny approval of the proposed data center and any associated electric power substation or generating facility

· Ensure transparent, well-publicized public hearings with meaningful opportunities for community participation.

· Prioritize land-use decisions that protect residents, students, educators, and the long-term well-being of the community.

Conclusion:


The community of Muhlenberg Township is not opposed to progress. However, development of this magnitude—particularly when it includes both a data center and/or major electrical power infrastructure—must be approached cautiously and transparently. We urge our elected township officials to stand with residents and reject this proposal in its current and any future form.

731

Recent signers:
Jamie Lashuay and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

We appreciate the support. Please keep signatures to Muhlenberg TWP, surrounding townships and Westfall Local School District. This will help us logistically.

If you are outside this area please feel free to contact us to see how you can help!

Purpose

 We, the undersigned residents, property owners, parents, and concerned members of the public, respectfully submit this petition to formally oppose the proposed data center development and any associated electric power substation and/or generating facility planned for Muhlenberg Township, Circleville, Ohio. While we recognize the importance of technological infrastructure and economic development, we believe the combined scale and intensity of this proposal presents serious environmental, health, safety, and community concerns that outweigh any potential benefits.

Primary Concerns

1.      Proximity to School District and Child Safety Concerns: The close proximity to schools raises concerns regarding unknown long-term impacts on children, including exposure to persistent noise, light pollution, air emissions, electromagnetic fields, and increased industrial traffic.

2.      Environmental Impact: Data centers and supporting power infrastructure require extraordinary amounts of electricity and water. The addition of a power substation or generating facility raises concerns regarding emissions, heat output, fuel storage, runoff, and long-term environmental effects.

3.      Infrastructure Strain: The proposed facilities would place significant strain on local roads, electrical systems, water resources, and emergency services not designed for continuous large-scale industrial operations.

4.      Noise, Light, and Industrial Disturbance: Continuous operation of cooling equipment, substations, transformers, and backup generators may result in persistent noise, vibration, and industrial lighting affecting nearby homes and schools.

5.      Minimal Local Economic Benefit: Despite their size and resource use, data centers and related power facilities typically provide limited long-term employment while requiring substantial land use and infrastructure accommodation.

6.      Property Values and Community Character: Large industrial facilities threaten surrounding property values and undermine the residential and rural character of Muhlenberg Township.

7.      Safety and Emergency Risk: Electrical substations and generating facilities introduce risks including fire hazards, equipment failure, fuel storage concerns, and emergency response challenges.

8.      Lack of Transparency and Public Input: Residents have not received sufficient information regarding the full scope of the project, including associated power infrastructure, prior to approvals. We understand this is in its infancy therefore more information will come available in the future.

Our Request


·Deny approval of the proposed data center and any associated electric power substation or generating facility

· Ensure transparent, well-publicized public hearings with meaningful opportunities for community participation.

· Prioritize land-use decisions that protect residents, students, educators, and the long-term well-being of the community.

Conclusion:


The community of Muhlenberg Township is not opposed to progress. However, development of this magnitude—particularly when it includes both a data center and/or major electrical power infrastructure—must be approached cautiously and transparently. We urge our elected township officials to stand with residents and reject this proposal in its current and any future form.

The Decision Makers

Ronald Clifton
Pickaway County: Muhlenberg Township Trustee
Jeff Wippel
Jeff Wippel
Muhlenberg Township Trustee
Stan Summers
Stan Summers
Muhlenberg Township Trustee

Supporter Voices

Petition updates