As construction continues on a new data center in Lima, local leaders are addressing community concerns about its impact on utilities and the environment. Officials say careful planning ensures resources are protected while positioning the region for growth in the high-tech sector.
Allen County is moving in the right direction economically, according to an outside economic and workforce development director who spoke at the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce’s annual breakfast.
The Marsh Foundation announced that Thor Equities has purchased 221 acres of land from them along U.S. 30.
Among the proposed upgrades are potential roundabouts at the intersections of Cole Street and Bluelick Road, Beery Road, and State Route 115. The plan also includes widening North Cole Street to accommodate increased traffic volume.
A new data center is set to be built on the northeast side of Van Wert, according to Brent Stevens, Executive Director of the Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation. The approximately 220-acre facility will be located on the northern end of the city's “Mega Site,” north of U.S. Route 30 between Stripe Road and Mendon Road.
“What we gain with that is capital investment on property that was taxed as agriculture now will be taxed as industrial, and so the revenue will be based upon the minimum of $500 million capital investment, a minimum of 50 full-time high-paying jobs,” said Cindy Leis, president and CEO of the Allen Economic Development Group.
"That package not only includes CRA property tax abatement, but it also includes agreements that are put forth for our utilities, both from an electric AEP perspective, water, sanitary sewer, and then we'll also have a plan for road work improvements," said Cindy Leis, President and CEO of the Allen Economic Development Group.
During a meeting Tuesday morning, commissioners passed a resolution to create a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) encompassing approximately 345 acres. Officials say the designated area is smaller than what was initially proposed.
Allen County (WLIO) - The Allen County commissioners are considering a process to designate a specific area of land as a viable location for development.
A new data center has been proposed in American Township, but some residents are voicing their concerns. On Monday night at the American Township Board of Trustees meeting, details were shared on a possible nearly 163-acre data center occupying land along Cole Street north of Bluelick Road. Proposed construction includes 3 data center units with a main office building, a security office, mounding areas, 2 water basins, and an AEP substation. After the proposal was shared, several American Township residents addressed the board of trustees with concerns about this potential data center.
