Perry Residents to Protest Proposed Data Center Ahead of Village Council Meeting

PERRY, Ohio — A community divided over a proposed data center is set to make its voice heard Thursday evening, as opponents plan a public demonstration just moments before a pivotal village council meeting on the controversial project.

Conserve Ohio — a statewide advocacy group pursuing a constitutional amendment to halt the construction of large-scale data centers — will lead the protest at 5:30 p.m.

Outside Perry Local Schools' Manchester West campus. The rally precedes a 6 p.m. special council meeting focused on potential economic development incentives tied to the proposal.

At the heart of the dispute is a development agreement involving the Champion Farm property along U.S. Route 20.

The project has sharply divided Perry residents, drawing both passionate supporters and vocal critics.

At an April 9 council meeting, the debate played out in real time. Resident Ashley Hacking urged the council to move forward, arguing that Perry needs new revenue to sustain its schools and municipal services.

Particularly as tangible personal property tax reimbursements are being phased out.

But not everyone shares that optimism. Resident Julie Schultz warned that public opposition, combined with statements from village officials, could interfere with the development agreement and potentially expose Perry to legal and financial liability.

Village officials have confirmed that the developer is seeking property tax breaks, though the specific terms remain unclear.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer have reached out to Mayor James Gessic for additional details on the proposed incentives.

Thursday's special meeting could prove to be a turning point — one way or another — for a community still searching for common ground.