By Paula Pyzik Scott

Village of Ada Legal Counsel Jane Napier introduced the topic of data center developments at the Tuesday, March 17, regular meeting. She noted that some communities are issuing moratoriums on new data center projects to allow time for the local government to research their potential impact.

Village Administrator Amanda Sears noted that developers seek affordable land and municipal water capacity. She commented that in terms of water and sewer capacity, Ada could likely handle another manufacturer but not a data center.

Napier characterized the developments as offering high prices for land with resulting facilities providing a relatively small number of high-paying jobs.

Mayor Dave Retterer noted that the Village has a Wellhead Protection Plan to be considered in future discussions.

Following an exchange about their current knowledge of data center impacts, Council members asked Napier to provide a moratorium draft for the next regular council meeting on April 7. A Utilities Committee meeting was also scheduled to follow the regular meeting.

The Ada Council discussion comes on the heels of an Allen Economic Development Group announcement on March 16 that Google is the developer behind the $500M data center underway on 200 acres in American Township.

Ada Council meetings are livestreamed via Zoom. Information for the April 7 meeting will be posted at https://www.adaoh.gov/meeting/council/tue-04072026-1830/