LORDSTOWN — After hearing from residents and nonresidents during a lengthy, and at times heated, meeting, village council on Monday gave the initial reading to prohibit the establishment and operation of data centers within the village.

Councilwoman Jessica Blank, chairwoman of the planning and zoning committee, told the more than 50 people in attendance that it was recommended by the committee to give three readings on the ordinance to allow for public input.

Several residents spoke in support of a ban and recommended that a committee of council members and other local officials be formed to visit other data centers to see what effect they have on communities.

Resident Phillip Fisher said there are already 167 data centers in Ohio.

“A committee needs to be put together to do more rese

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