Timeline

March 21, 2024 - County Commissioners Meeting

Executive Session: Commissioner Vitale, Commissioner Hess, Commissioner Cassady, Mayor Bean, City Administrator Kerry Brugger, CEP Director Rich Ebert, Assistant Prosecutor Jane Napier, Matt Skinner, Peter Mallory and Randy Loebig from Highland Real Estate.

All 3 commissioners voted in favor to move forward with the project.

June 12, 2024 - Urbana0624C, LLC

Articles of organization filed, effective date of 6/12/24, purpose listed is real estate development. Signed by Highland Realty Office Manager Mary Beth Butler

September 17, 2024 - Real Estate Purchase Agreement

On behalf of the CEP, Rich Ebert signed the Real Estate Purchase Agreement for approximately 94.11 acres of county owned property. Signed by Scott Mallory, Urbana0624C, LLC - This property is part of the annexation agreement noted in City Council meeting 11.19.24

September 27, 2024 - Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination Request

Submitted to Ms. Teresa Spagna at the United States Army Corps of Engineers by Civil & Environmental Consultants LLC on behalf of Mr. Issac Mallory of Highland Real Estate. In the introduction it states “The proposed project includes the development of a single-family residential subdivision”, no mention of manufacturing. Coordinates: 40.0808, -83.7672

November 19, 2024 - Urbana City Council Meeting

First Reading of Ordinance 4612-24: An ordinance authorizing the Director of Administration to enter into a pre-annexation agreement with Urbana0624C, LLC. Councilwoman Mrs. Collier asked how this would affect the residential homes there. Mr Crabill (Community Development Manager) stated that those residential homes and the dance studio would remain in the township. Councilwoman Mrs. Bean inquired if someone was potentially interested in developing the property. Mr Crabill answered for now it’s just an annexation with a land use put in place.

December 3, 2024 - Annexation Petition Filed

As reported in City Council minutes from December 17, 2024: Mr. Crabill stated the annexation petition was filed on December 3. He added the City has twenty days (12/23) to respond to the County Commissioners. According to the petition it is an Expedited Type II annexation

December 3, 2024 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Second Reading of Ordinance 4612-24: An ordinance authorizing the Director of Administration to enter into a preannexation agreement with Urbana0624C, LLC.

All 3 commissioners voted in favor to move forward with the project.

December 16, 2024 - Approved Jurisdictional Determinations

Kyle Moore at the United States Army Corps of Engineers - “Wetlands A and B are not jurisdictional waters of the United States and as such are not subject to Section 404 regulation. It is recommended that you should contact the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Surface Water, at (614) 664-2001 to determine state permit requirements.”

December 17, 2024 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Third Reading of Ordinance 4612-24: An ordinance authorizing the Director of Administration to enter into a preannexation agreement with Urbana0624C, LLC. (Three readings required).

First Reading of Ordinance 4613-24: An ordinance adopting a statement of services to be provided to parcels consisting of approximately 219.986 acres, more or less, in Urbana Township proposed for annexation to the City of Urbana by the petitioners: Urbana Health Facilities, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company; governing board of the Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center; Board of County Commissioners of Champaign County, Ohio; and Organ Farms, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, with Andrew Wecker, attorney-at-law, appointed as agent by petitioners, and declaring an emergency. (One reading required)

Mrs. Bean moved to put this ordinance on the floor for discussion and possible passage.

December 17, 2024 - Urbana City Council Meeting

First Reading of Ordinance 4614-24: An ordinance relating to land use and zoning buffers for territory consisting of approximately 219.986 acres, more or less, in Urbana Township proposed for annexation to the City of Urbana by the petitioners: Urbana Health Facilities, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company; governing board of the Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center; Board of County Commissioners of Champaign County, Ohio; and Organ Farms, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, with Andrew Wecker, attorney-at-law, appointed as agent by petitioners, and declaring an emergency. (One reading required)

Mr. Crabill explained that this ordinance provides language regarding land use and zoning buffers that legislation requires. Mr. Crabill stated the City will work to rezone the territory in accordance with local ordinances and place the land on the City zoning map. He added that there is a requirement to have the zoning in place by the annexation effective date.

January 14, 2025 - County Commissioners acted on Annexation Petition, including Pre-Annexation agreement

January 28 2025 - Revised Source Water Assessment Report

Change in Pumping Rate

Reports states a decrease in pumping rate has decreased the size of the protected area, also contamination to drinking for the Bog is rated as high.

April 1, 2025 - Urbana City Council Meeting

First Reading of Ordinance 4619-25: An ordinance accepting the annexation of parcels (territory) consisting of approximately 219.986 acres, more or less, in Urbana Township as petitioned by Andrew Wecker, attorney-at-law, appointed as agent by the petitioners: Urbana Health Facilities, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company; governing board of the Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center; Board of County Commissioners of Champaign County, Ohio; and Organ Farms, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company.

First Reading of Ordinance 4621-25: An ordinance to amend Chapter 1126 of the Codified Ordinances. (Three readings required, public hearing required)

Mr. Thackery moved to put this ordinance on the floor for discussion. Mrs. Collier seconded.

Mr. Carter stated this ordinance covered the manufacturing district chapter. He stated this ordinance updates the general purpose and further describes permissive uses. Mr. Carter added that while typically there are more stringent height restrictions if a parcel is next to a residential 5 area, this ordinance gives flexibility to larger parcels. Mr. Carter also said that this ordinance also removes the land use intensity requirement. Council did not have any comments/questions. President Pro Tempore Bean declared this ordinance to have had its first reading.

First Reading of Ordinance 4620-25: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 1102 of the Codified Ordinances (Three readings required, public hearing required)

Mr. Scott moved to put this ordinance on the floor for discussion. Mr. Thackery Seconded. Mr Carter stated this was the definitions chapter. This ordinance adds the definition for computer infrastructure providers, includes automobile and dog wash, and further expands transport terminals. Council did not have any comments/questions. President Pro Tempore Bean declared this ordinance to have had its first reading.

April 1, 2025 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Mr. Thackery talked about the recent Planning Commission meeting. He stated that Highland was there and they complimented the City on its progress and cooperation.

Mayor Bean also encouraged Highland with "let's keep moving".

First Reading of Ordinance 4624-25: An ordinance to amend Chapter 1133 of the Codified Ordinances. (Three readings required, public hearing required)

Mr. Carter stated this ordinance covered the chapter for off-street parking and loading. He stated it included the required parking formula for the new use involving data centers. Council did not have any comments/questions. President Pro Tempore Bean declared this ordinance to have had its first reading.

First Reading of Ordinance 4625-25: An ordinance to update the City of Urbana's Official Zoning Map to establish City designated zoning classifications for nine parcels that were petitioned for annexation to the City or Urbana on December 3, 2024 and are anticipated to be annexed into the City of Urbana corporation limits on or after May 23, 2025. (Three readings required, public hearing required)

Mr. Crabill stated that this ordinance goes in conjuncture with the annexation process. He indicated the City can establish zoning at the same time. He stated that four of the parcels are R3 (educational and group care) with the other five being proposed as M1 manufacturing. Council did not have any comments/questions. President Pro Tempore Bean declared this ordinance to have had its first reading.

April 14, 2025 - Urbana0425LLC

Articles of organization filed, effective date of 4/14/25, purpose listed is real estate development. Agent listed: Andy Wecker, 92 N Sandsusky Ste. 300 Delaware, OH 43015 Signed by Mary Beth Butler, Office Manager HIGHLAND REALTY

April 15, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing & City Council Meeting

“The fourth topic was the amendment of Chapter 1126 of the Codified Ordinances. Mr. Crabill stated this ordinance covered the manufacturing district chapter. He stated this ordinance updates the general purpose and further describes permissive uses. Mr. Crabill further discussed height restrictions of fences and removal of the land use intensity requirement.

The seventh topic was the amendment of Chapter 1133 of the Codified Ordinances. Mr. Crabill stated this ordinance covered the chapter for off-street parking and loading. He stated it included the required parking formula for the new use involving data centers. He also added that it was consistent with the corridor overlay.

April 15, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing & City Council Meeting

Second Reading of Ordinance 4619-25: An ordinance accepting the annexation of parcels (territory) consisting of approximately 219.986 acres, more or less, in Urbana Township as petitioned by Andrew Wecker, attorney-at-law, appointed as agent by the petitioners: Urbana Health Facilities, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company.

Second Reading of Ordinance 4625-25: An ordinance to update the City of Urbana's Official Zoning Map to establish City designated zoning classifications for nine parcels that were petitioned for annexation to the City or Urbana on December 3, 2024 and are anticipated to be annexed into the City of Urbana corporation limits on or after May 23, 2025.

CouncilwomanMs. Truelove stated that Mr. Crabill has done a very good job. Mr. Crabill responded that all the rewrites were a collective effort.

April 16, 2025 - Highland Realty Development

Highland Realty Development and Civil & Environmental Consultants LLC submitted an electronic copy of the Waters Delineation Report identifying one erosional feature that was 1,206 linear feet.

April 22, 2025 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Third Reading of Ordinance 4619-25: An ordinance accepting the annexation of parcels (territory) consisting of approximately 219.986 acres, more or less, in Urbana Township as petitioned by Andrew Wecker, 2 attorney-at-law, appointed as agent by the petitioners: Urbana Health Facilities, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company; governing board of the Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center; Board of County Commissioners of Champaign County, Ohio; and Organ Farms, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company.

Ordinance passes 7-0.

Third Reading Ordinance 4620-25: An Ordinance to amend Chapter 1102.01 of the Codified Ordinances (Three Reading required, public hearing required) adds the definition #20 “Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services” means establishments primarily engaged in providing computing infrastructure, data processing services, web hosting services (except software publishing), and related services, including streaming support services (except streaming distribution services). Data processing establishments provide complete processing and specialized reports from data supplied by clients or provide automated data processing and data entry services.

Third Reading of Ordinance 4625-25: An ordinance to update the City of Urbana's Official Zoning Map to establish City designated zoning classifications for nine parcels that were petitioned for annexation to the City of Urbana on December 3, 2024 and are anticipated to be annexed into the City of Urbana corporation limits on or after May 23, 2025

April 22, 2025 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Third Reading Ordinance 4621-25: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 1125 of the Codified Ordinances (3 readings required, public hearing required, public hearing advertisement date 4/4/25) Dept. Requesting, Zoning, Sponsor Councilwoman Audra Bean

Changed Purpose to: It is the purpose of the M-1 Manufacturing District to accommodate manufacturing, industrial and technology establishments and related uses.

Changed 1126.02 Principally Permitted Uses

Replaced Automotive Repair with Light Manufacturing
Added Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

Changed 1126.03 Permitted Accessory Uses

Added Emergency Generators

Changed 1126.04 Conditionally Permitted Uses

Added wording Personal to storage facilities
Added Automotive Repair

Changed 1126.09 Maximum Height Regulations

Added additional height - An additional 1’ in building height shall be permitted for each additional 1’ in setback provided beyond the minimums listed herein, not to exceed 200 feet

Changed 1126.11 Maximum Lot Occupation

The maximum percentage of any property in the M-1 Manufacturing District to be covered by principal and accessory uses is 50 percent. Added - Required off-street parking and loading areas are not included in lot occupancy calculation

Removed 1126.13 - Land Use Intensity

The floor ration for properties in the M-1 Manufacturing District shall not exceed .50

Changed 1129.10 Fences, Walls, and Hedges

Increased the maximum height limit to add an exception for M-1 Districts, where maximum height shall be 8 feet.

April 22, 2025 - City Council Meeting

Third Reading of Ordinance 4624-25: An Ordinance to Amend Chapt. 1133 of the codified ordinances

Changed 1133.02 - Off-Street Parking and Design Standards

K-lighting. Removed Any lights used to illuminate a parking lot shall be so arranged as to reflect the light away from the adjoining property and right of way TO Parking lots shall be lighted and can be illuminated by pole-mounted fixtures or by building-mounted fixtures. All light sources shall be concealed (100% cutoff). Parking lot lighting shall be appropriate to illuminate parking and building entrances with minimal glare or light trespass on neighboring properties or public roadways. A maximum of one-foot candle is permissible at all property lines.

Changed 1133.08 Parking Space Requirements

Added (kk) Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services - 1.1 spaces for each employee based on the working period when the maximum number of employees are employed on the premises.

Changed 1133.09 Loading Space Requirements and Dimensions

Removed modified gross floor area of loading space and the ratio of the number of loading spaces per 10,000 sq/ft.

July 10, 2025 - Approved Jurisdictional Determination from the United States Corps of Engineers

Teresa Spagna to Issac Mallory: Highland Realty Development -

“Wetland A (0.04 acre) neither physically abuts nor exhibits a continuous surface water connection to a water identified in paragraph (a)(1) through (a)(6) of the pre-2015 regulations. Erosional Feature 1 (708 linear feet) is an erosional feature in the landscape that does not exhibit stream or wetland characteristics and does not exhibit a relatively permanent flow. Therefore, Wetland A and Erosional Feature 1 are not subject to Section 404; however, you should contact the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Division of Surface Water, at (614) 664-2001 to determine state permit requirements.

July 16, 2025 - Urbana0725, LLC

Articles of organization filed, effective date of 7/15/25, purpose listed is real estate development. Agent listed: Andy Wecker, 92 N Sandsusky Ste. 300 Delaware, OH 43015. Signed by Mary Beth Butler, Office Manager HIGHLAND REALTY

August 20, 2025 - Article from CIO Influence regarding VanWurt location

“We’re excited to add this project to our portfolio. With 500 MWs expected to deliver by 2028 and in place zoning and utilities, we have developed a unique asset in the fast-growing Ohio market” said Raj Vohra, Head of Data Centers North America. “We are grateful to the Van Wert community for their support in bringing this project to life.” Raj Vohra attended the City Council Meeting on 2.17.26 and had signed up to speak and then withdrew his name. In a previous role, he worked for Google.

August 22, 2025- Thor Equities purchases 47.6 acres for $2,143,665 of land directly behind the county building.

Thor Equities is a real estate firm that also develops data centers. As reported in the UDC article Data center interest confirmed;

September 2, 2025 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Immediately upon calling the meeting to order, council members went into an Executive Session.

September 4, 2025 - DNR Document, Office of Real Estate & Land Management

The DOW recommends no in-water work in perennial streams from March 15 through June 30 to reduce impacts to indigenous aquatic species and their habitat. If no in-water work is proposed in a perennial stream, this project is not likely to impact these or other aquatic species.

"Due to the potential for impacts to federally listed species, as well as to state-listed species, we recommend that this project be coordinated with the US Fish & Wildlife Service."

October 7, 2025 - Urbana City Council Meeting

First Reading: Ordinance 4631-25. An ordinance establishing and describing the boundaries of Community Reinvestment Area #2 in the City of Urbana, and authorizing and approving related matters. Mr. Crabill stated the City already has one community reinvestment area from 2010-2011. Hе added that there is an old legacy CRA on the books covering the downtown area and In 2022, the City repealed overlapping CRAs. He informed Council that the major change was to allow residential properties being added for potential CRA. He added that there have also been annexations that have added additional lands that could be developed. Mr. Crabill stated that there was also a housing study completed to validate the new survey and reminded Council that a CRA only applies to the improvement of the value.

October 21, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing

This sole topic discussed was establishing and describing the boundaries of Community Reinvestment Area #2 in the City of Urbana, and authorizing and approving related matters.

Mr. Crabill explained the legislative process to establish a CRA, which also outlines what type of projects may be eligible for the CRA. He added that it includes negotiations with the party, the City, and the school boards. Finally, if agreement is worked out, it's filed with the State of Ohio with yearly reporting requirements.

Mr. Thackery asked for details on what constituted a "mega project". Mr. Crabill responded that he believes it requires a billion-dollar investment.

Mrs. Collier asked for confirmation that each individual agreement would need to be approved by Council. Mr. Crabill confirmed that it did.

Mrs. Bean stated that she believes it's good for the investment of Urbana.

October 21, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing

Ms. Truelove asked Mr. Crabill to address the concern she previously discussed. Mr. Crabill stated the concern was about speculation regarding potential projects that could come into the City, with specific questions about a potential data center. Mr. Crabill answered that the City has not engaged in any agreements. He further explained that this is a step about making any project potentially possible.

Mr. Scott asked with a potential project, what would be the benefit to an investor. Mr. Crabill responded that this legislation allows the possibility for projects. Mr. Scott asked about tax advantages. Mr. Crabill stated that every project with CRAs is unique.

Mandy Hildebrand (Urbana City Schools) - She stated the school has received questions about CRAs and the school district. She stated the statute allows up to a 75% abatement without going to the school board. She added the school has still received great communication with the City when under the percentage. She added the School Board has questions whenever a 100% abatement is asked for. Ms. Hildebrand stated the last few requests to come forward have been under 100%. Ms. Hildebrand also explained the possibility of revenue sharing when the total payroll is over $2 million. She also stated that when taxes are abated on a commercial side, the tax base is shifted more towards residential.

October 21, 2025 - City Council Public Hearing

Brad Winner - Mr. Winner grew up in Urbana and loves the development. He stated that the process is becoming a new Pandora's Box era with the different incentives. He expressed his concern with where Ohio is at is on the industrial/commercial side, as he believes this is not what CRAS were designed for. He stated CRAs were designed for dilapidated buildings and the ability to make improvements and get use out of it. He believes opening up a blanket CRA is baiting companies with bargaining chips in order to get them here. Mr. Winner believes it should be brought up to decision makers on a case-by-case basis. He stated our community is highly sought after with cheap land, labor, and water, and the City shouldn't have to sell the farm to get corporations here. He expressed his concern with the amount we might give up off the jump.

Bryce Carafa - Mr. Carafa discussed the industrial aspect. He stated the industrial side does not have large spillover and creates large tax issues with the school. He also added there may be resentment from smaller business owners as they are left with a larger portion of the tax base. He added that CRAs remain a valuable tool for neighborhood revitalization.

October 21, 2025 - City Council Meeting

Second Reading of Ordinance 4631-25: An ordinance establishing and describing the boundaries of Community Reinvestment Area #2 in the City of Urbana, and authorizing and approving related matters. (Three readings required, public hearing required)

Mr. Crabill stated that he appreciated the revenue sharing comments from Ms. Hildebrand. added that megaprojects almost always have some sort of agreed upon infrastructure component.

Mrs. Bean stated that Mr. Winner talked about overall coverage. She added that it sounds like the City does take it case-by-case. Mr. Crabill stated that every project is unique. He explained that some areas already developed but it leaves some room for redevelopment.

Mr. Thackery asked for clarification regarding "related matters". Mr. Crabill stated it was a broad way of describing the associated tasks, such as approving the filing with the State, etc. Mr. Feinstein (Law Director) explained that a CRA creates a geographic area where if the City wants to extend an incentive, it gives an additional tool to do it. He stated it was not a guarantee, as there needs some direct benefit to the citizens of Urbana. He further explained that then it's subject to negotiations that include the school district. Finally, if an opportunity ever came about, Council would have the final say anyway.

November 4, 2025 - City Council Meeting

Citizen comment: Brad Winner - “Mr. Winner thanked everyone for communications regarding the CRA. He feels it produces an uneven pressure on local residents and small businesses regarding abatements for large companies. He added there would be artificial values on properties that increase costs to surrounding property owners. He thinks a CRA is a good tool for multi-family properties. He urged Council to vote no and refocus their efforts on a more specifically-focused CRA. He reminded Council about the recent abatement in Sydney that recently passed regarding a data center that nobody besides the City and the developer wanted. He added that megaproject language opens up interests for out-of-town investors over citizens.”

Third Reading - Ordinance 4631-25: An ordinance establishing and describing the boundaries of Community Reinvestment Area #2 in the City of Urbana, and authorizing and approving related matters. (Three readings required, public hearing required)

“Mr. Thackeray moved to put this ordinance on the floor for discussion and possible passage. Mrs. Collier seconded.”

“Mr. Feinstein stated he didn’t necessarily have a lot to add due to already discussing the legislation at previous meetings. He did say that he felt is was important educationally to make sure Council knew what it would be voting for. He stated that CRAs already exist in Urbana. He explained that CRAs are a geographic designation that can incentivize development in areas that need development. Mr. Feinstein stated they give a tool to the City that a developer can use as an abatement in the value that only comes if it is developed. He further explained that the legislation is to create an area, not an agreement. He clarified that what happened in Sydney is an agreement. He informed Council that any agreement that comes to the City, Council would still say yes or no. He added the only way it gets to Council is if there is some direct benefit to the City. He also stated that there are no current agreements on the table. Mr. Feinstein reminded Council they approved data centers through zoning ordinance. A CRA doesn’t have anything to do with data centers.”

November 4, 2025 - City Council Meeting

Teresa Spagna to Issac Mallory: Highland Realty Development -

“Mr. Thackery stated he had discussions with eight or nine people in the last two weeks. He stated the two issues that seem to come up are a data center and tax abatements. He indicated he feels like by the time the agreement comes to Council, it would feel too late for Council to say no. He added that if the big issue is the megaproject, it can get turned down when it gets proposed.”

“Ms. Jumper asked if there was any way to take language involving megaprojects completely out of the wording. Mr. Feinstein responded that it would not necessarily change anything in regards to preventing megaprojects from coming.”

“Ms. Truelove stated she would like some discussion prior to the finalized agreement. Mr. Feinstein stated people in the City do heavy lifting and typically present a polished project, but Council can still vote it down and say why, which allows the project to go back to the drawing board. Ms. Truelove asked what would happen to an agreement that doesn’t fulfill employment numbers. Mr. Feinstein stated TIRC review the agreements regularly to make sure there is compliance. He added that TIRC can take action all the way up to terminating an agreement for breach. Mayor Bean added that Mrs. Bean Audra is serving on the TIRC committee as Council’s representative. He also selects two Mayoral appointments as well as the Finance Director.”

“Mrs. Bean reiterated that this was not an approval of any specific project, just an area. She considers it a tool for future investment. She added the primary objective is to encourage multi-family areas in underinvested areas while also supporting commercial and industrial growth.”

Ordinance passes 5-2

“Mrs. Truelove thanked Mr. Crabill and Mr. Feinstein for their explanations regarding the CRA. She wanted to clarify that she agreed to a CRA in general, but if agreements are on the table, she will scrutinize them to make sure they are in the City’s best interest.”

November 18, 2025 - Highland55 Investments

purchased 85.6 acres southwest of Urbana for $3,210,712.50, as reported in the UDC article Data center interest confirmed; Urbana officials address resident’s concerns 1.23.26

Article

December 2, 2025 - City Council Meeting

Citizen Comment: Mr. Ken Wright “Mr. Wright had heard that a company from New York had bought land on the outskirts of town with the potential intent to develop a data center. He was inquiring as to what City or County officials were involved with the process.”

“Mrs. Bean also stated she didn’t understand where the data center information was coming from as nothing was happening regarding such a facility.”

December 8, 2025 - Wetland Mitigation Purchase Agreement

Thor Equities (Urbana Owner 1 LLC) purchased wetlands through Stream + Wetlands Foundation required to mitigate wetland impacts - $13,000 for .2 non-forested wetland mitigation credits at Whetstone Highlands - signed by Jack Stitt consulting firm was Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

January 7, 2026 - Application for Section 401 Water Quality Certification

Applicant: Urbana Owner I LLC Brian Hughes-Cromwick Vice President with Civil & Environmental Consultants (CEC), Nick D’Eramo, under Section 2, point C. Brief Project Description it states, “On behalf of Urbana Owner, I LLC, CEC submits this Isolated Wetland Permit requesting authorization to permanently impact .07 acres of Three Category 1 non-forested wetlands for the grading and construction of the Urbana Brand I development. AS depicted on the attached proposed development Plan Map., The proposed Project includes commercial retail buildings, an industrial warehouse, a electrical substation, roads, parking, stormwater and associated infrastructure. The purpose of the project is the construction of build-to-suit commercial development for future tenants. Coordinates: 40.088700, -83.761100

January 16, 2026 - Final Payment for Wetland Mitigation

Final payment of $11,050 check nom 00001008 made to Stream + Wetlands Foundation for the purchase of .2 acres of non-forested wetland mitigation credits for the Brand I Project site, Ohio EPA NO. 251995W

January 20,2026 - City Council Meeting

Concerned Citizen Brad Winner addressed the council, “Mr. Winner wanted to know if there is a data center in the pipeline. He stated he has asked that to a couple of elected officials and has gotten vague answers. Mr. Winner added that the issue has created a firestorm in different municipalities. Mr. Winner stated that he is opposed to the lack of time and ability to those who live in the town to voice their opinions if there is something in the pipeline. He added that if the City doesn’t know what’s going on, he would highly consider a three-year moratorium on data centers so the City can study the effects on the local towns that have them.” (quote from the official meeting minutes)

In this same meeting, “Ms. Jumper stated she had heard the chatter about a data center. She wanted to clarify that the issue has not come in front of the Council to be voted on. She reminded Council that she asked for an amendment to the CRA for wording that was said to be unnecessary. Ms. Jumper stated she was concerned about the issue for citizens and about a lack of transparency.” (quote from the official meeting minutes)

February 3, 2026 - Urbana City Council Meeting

Citizen comment from Erin Patton: “Ms. Patton owns a business on south main. She stated that she has reached out many times looking for a larger place. She found out that some of the land was recently sold to a developer, as she stumbled upon this by accident. Ms. Patton stated she came here to find out what was really going on with the purchases, as the developer is known for putting up data centers.”

Citizen comment from Brad Winner: “Mr. Winner stated that anybody who wants to talk, he would be willing to speak after the meeting. He said he is not opposed to a data center, he just did not have information to be for or against it. He asked for a moratorium to decide if the City wanted one. Mr. Winner stated he resigned from the CEP board in August, as he saw multiple behaviors that he feels was unethical. He stated that the Director of the CEP never mentioned a data center to the County Commissioners. He added that two commissioners are trying to not sell the land. . . . he understands that a data center would still have to go before the Planning Commission. He closed by saying that all it takes is to make a motion, a second and take a vote. He added that Council can do that tonight.”

“Ms. Truelove stated she has been listening to concerns. She stated that everyone who brings up a data center has nothing good to say about it. She thinks the City needs to do something to make the community think it’s not hiding anything.”

“Mrs. Collier asked if Mr. Feinstein could talk about the data center. She stated that while it still would have to come to the Council for the CRA, it would not necessarily mean it would be approved. Mr. Feinstein stated a moratorium would be a legislative action. He added that he could have it ready for the next meeting. Mrs. Collier expressed concerns about the City facing potential litigation. Mr. Feinstein stated that he would look into that.”

“Ms. Jumper stated she believes a moratorium allows Council to decide as opposed to just the Planning Commission.”

February 17, 2026 - Urbana City Council Meeting

City Council voted (5-2) to rescind the data center moratorium BEFORE citizens had the opportunity to comment. This is the first time that City Council was provided a site plan and FAQ for the proposed project.

February 19, 2026 - County Commissioner Meeting

Commissioners Vitale & Cassady allowed citizen comment regarding a proposed data center on county owned land that is currently under contract with Highland Real Estate.

March 3, 2026 - City Council Meeting- Moratorium Approval

Data Center Presentation from Thor/Highland Real Estate discussing their project plan they submitted to city. Thor rep stated that the project would be hosting community events. Thor introduced Cyrus One which is another data center developer that will be involved in project.

Resolution 2727-26: A resolution imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment or conversion of other structures or buildings into a data center, including the development and construction of any building, structure, use or change of use, that would allow data centers, and for a period of twelve (12) months from the effective date of this resolution, in order to allow the City administration and City Council time to investigate the findings of the State of Ohio legislature's evaluation of impact that a data center would have on local community, ie; water, electric, environment, critical infrastructure and future community planning, to investigate the impact of a data center on city resources and property values and to better understand any noise or pollution generated thereby, and the impact on safety, the power grid, and water usage, and to further review applicable federal codes, Ohio statutes, codes and regulations along with the City's codified ordinances relative to such activity, and declaring an emergency. (One reading required).

March 3, 2026 - City Council Meeting- Moratorium Approval

Resolution 2727-26: Roll call on passage: Mr. Davis, yes; Mr. Thackery, yes; Ms. Truelove, yes; Mrs. Collier, yes; Mrs. Bean, no; Ms. Jumper, yes; and Mr. Scott, yes. Resolution passes 6-1.

Mr. Feinstein stated this resolution would impose a twelve-month moratorium on data centers while the City would evaluate the impact on the local community. He stated the resolution could go back on the agenda if the Law Director declared it an emergency, which he had.

News Article

March 19,2026 - Thor & Highland Appeal

Appeal from the City of Urbana's February 20th 2026 Denial of Site Plan Application. Appeal was served to City of Urbana, Urbana City Planning Commission, and Director of Administration.

March 31,2026 - Special City Council Meeting

City Administration decided they will not be the group to lead the committee and instead City Council will lead committee. City Council established a review and search committee. Members from the public, city council, nearby businesses, school system, and others will have seat at table. More than 10 topics will be studied by the committee as they continue to gather feedback from community. Topics such as impacts to utilities, public safety, agriculture, job creation, fiscal impact to city, water supply, etc. While specifics of data center are unknown outside of Urbana Technology Hub Project Overview, goal is to create "apples to apples" comparison with similar facilities. Findings will be shared periodically with council and community at large.

Council wants a recommendation at end of study before end of moratorium. First subcommittee meeting will be held April 13th 6pm. Location Training Room- 3rd floor Municipal Building, corner of S Main & E Market.

April 1, 2026 - Urbana City Council

"Due to lack of businesses needing discussed, the Urbana City Council meeting for April 7th, 2026 has been cancelled". Decision made by City Council President Dwight Paul.

April 7, 2026 Community Town Hall

In liu of City council meeting being cancelled, group of citizens hosting community event. Purpose is to educate and empower citizens to learn facts, timelines, and next steps on important data center related information.