Piqua Approves Plans for New Data Center

Local family shares concerns about impact on their former property

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:38pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a collection of polished metal and glass data server components arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract power and scale of modern data infrastructure.A data center project of unprecedented scale promises economic growth, but at what cost to the local community?Piqua Today

The City of Piqua, Ohio has approved plans to build a 607-acre data center project that will include two data center buildings and bring over 1,000 construction jobs and 50 full-time jobs. However, a local family who previously owned property that is now part of the data center site expressed concerns about the potential strain on water resources, increased noise, and energy consumption.

Why it matters

The data center project represents a major economic development opportunity for the city of Piqua, but has raised concerns from some residents about the potential environmental and quality of life impacts. The city believes the project will bring significant long-term benefits, while the displaced family grapples with the difficult decision to sell their longtime property.

The details

The data center project will be located off Farrington and Washington Roads in Piqua. City officials say the facility will use advanced, highly efficient water and power systems. Some residents have voiced concerns about the potential strain on local water resources, increased noise, and energy consumption. The family that previously owned the land that is now part of the data center site said it was a difficult decision to sell, but they ultimately decided to do what was best for their well-being after learning about the plans for the surrounding area.

  • In February 2024, the family received a letter from the city making an offer to purchase their property.
  • More than a year later, in 2026, the Piqua City Commission approved a resolution to build the data center.

The players

Piqua City Commission

The local governing body that approved the plans for the new data center project.

Anonymous Family

A family who previously owned property that is now part of the data center site and expressed concerns about the project's potential impacts.

Chris Schmiesing

The Economic Development Director for the City of Piqua, who provided a statement about the strategic importance of the data center project.

Paul Oberdorfer

The City Manager of Piqua, who provided a statement celebrating the data center project as a major economic win for the community.

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What they’re saying

“We were just too scared to stay because what was gonna be next to us.”

— Anonymous Family

“At first, it was absolutely no, until we heard everything that happened behind us, absolutely, so sad, we did not want this at all.”

— Anonymous Family

“The data center project represents the culmination of years of community planning and preparation. The tract of land assembled for development at the south edge of Piqua was initially identified as a strategic growth area in the 2007 Piqua Comprehensive Plan. Our team at the City of Piqua has worked diligently to position the community for economic development opportunities, and we are beginning to see the results of that work.”

— Chris Schmiesing, Economic Development Director, City of Piqua

“We are proud to bring a project of this scale and impact to Piqua, marking significant economic growth for our community. Along with Piqua City Commission, the City of Piqua staff has made this project a reality through years of hard work and dedication. We look forward to Piqua's strategic growth and future opportunities.”

— Paul Oberdorfer, City Manager, City of Piqua

What’s next

The company behind the data center project is expected to reveal its identity sometime later this year.

The takeaway

This data center project represents a complex balance between economic development and community concerns. While the city sees it as a major strategic win, the displaced family's experience highlights the personal toll that large-scale projects can take on local residents. Ongoing dialogue and consideration of community impacts will be crucial as the data center moves forward.