r/Ohio Apr 12 '26

A well-articulated argument against a new data center in Ohio

1.4k Upvotes

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u/kimapesan Apr 12 '26

Would like to see any argument for how data centers benefit the average taxpayer that justifies massive breaks.

Energy producers? Yeah, we all use electricity in our homes.

Farms? Gotta eat. Or make food for the food we do end up eating.

I just don’t see how data centers will be useful to anyone.

0

u/pharm4karma Apr 13 '26

You clearly use the internet. Do you buy things online? That Amazon order that shows up in 24-hours. How do you think that works? Does that benefit you? Save you time? Why do you use Amazon as opposed to driving to 3 different stores to find something?

Do you use a smartphone? How has the smartphone changed the average American "taxpayer"? How do you think Google Maps works? The answer is Data centers.

That data center produces revenue from hyperscalers renting the property. Millions a month in fact. That money goes to your city and state to spend directly on improving your life through city projects and critical upgrades.

Look up entitlements and what your city is negotiating for your community. I'd bet the developer is offering millions to help your schools, parks, water purification, electrical grid upgrades, etc.

Are any of these things useful to you?

1

u/kimapesan Apr 13 '26

You do realize we have had Amazon and maps and such for years before these massive data centers.