Amazon AWS: Residents raise concern about proposed data center facility in New Albany

According to reports, residents in Albany are concerned about an Amazon-proposed data center project, which outlines plans for sizable data centers on both sides of Beech Road. Back in January, the giant acquired nearly 400 acres of land at three connected plots on Beech Road; the development would add to its seven-data center-strong footprint in central Ohio.

An Ohio Environmental Protection Agency information session and public hearing were recently held so that concerned parties in the community could discuss the proposals and a number of residents spoke about the implications for local wetlands, and Blacklick Creek. One resident, one of two offering official public comment, expressed concern about construction run-off. 

The EPA spokesperson has outlined that the agency “will conduct a technical review of the permit applications and consider public comments” — with a final decision made no later than early June. However, if given the green light, data center construction could commence as soon as spring 2023.