By The Fostoria Free Press Staff December 21, 2025

WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — In a unanimous vote on December 17, 2025, Waterville Township trustees approved a 12-month moratorium on issuing permits for data centers, specifically targeting agriculturally-zoned land. This makes Waterville Township the second jurisdiction in the region to pause such developments, following the city of Waterville’s earlier six-month moratorium.

The decision, introduced by Trustee Julie Theroux, aims to provide time for officials to thoroughly study the potential impacts of data centers before setting conditions for future conditional use permits. “We don’t want to be behind the eight ball, scrambling to come up with conditions,” Theroux said during the meeting.

Key concerns raised include strain on the electrical grid, water supply, and overall quality of life for residents. Assistant County Prosecutor John Borell advised using the moratorium period productively to research these issues rather than simply delaying decisions, noting that the moratorium can be renewed if needed.

Public input during the meeting highlighted community support for the pause. Resident Lisa Haberstock thanked trustees and suggested collaborating with neighboring townships, while Brian Gowing praised the board for listening to residents. Some attendees raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and public comment policies.

Regional Context

The moratorium comes amid growing regional discussions about data center proposals driven by AI demand. Nearby areas like Monclova Township and the city of Waterville have faced similar resident pushback over potential impacts on farmland, utilities, and historic sites. No active data center applications are currently in Waterville Township, but rumors and conceptual plans have circulated, prompting proactive measures.

In January 2026, the township plans to form a Land Use Plan Update Committee to guide future development based on resident surveys.

This move reflects a broader trend in northwest Ohio communities balancing economic opportunities with preserving rural character and resources. Residents interested in providing input can monitor updates on the township’s official channels.

Stay tuned to The Fostoria Free Press for ongoing coverage of regional development news affecting Seneca County and surrounding areas.