Ontario City Council looks to keep data centers on hold for at least another six months

ONTARIO — Ontario City Council is looking to keep the door closed to data centers for at least six more months.

Council read an ordinance Wednesday evening that would extend the city’s moratorium on applications for local licensing approval, zoning, occupancy and other permits related to AI-supporting data centers within the city.

Ontario originally adopted the six-month moratorium in May as a preemptive measure.

Council President Eddie Gallo said in May that data centers had approached property owners in the past, although the city had no such project on the horizon.

Service-Safety Director Michael Morton also said in May concerns about the effects of data centers in a neighboring community prompted the city to take a closer look at the issue.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Councilman Anderson Roll asked Mayor Josh Bradley what the reason was to extend the moratorium.

“The state house is doing their study and as of right now it hasn’t come back,” Bradley said. “And from what I’ve heard from state representatives, it probably won’t be out until after the election.”

The city’s proposed zoning code changes also address data centers and include language stating the city is waiting to see what the state recommends, according to Bradley.

Ontario seeks funding for $2.6 million 4th Street project

Council approved a resolution allowing Bradley to apply for funding for a Fourth Street project through the Ohio Public Works Commission’s State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement Program.

Bradley said the city requested $350,000 in grant funding and $150,000 through a loan because requesting the full $500,000 grant would not give the project enough points to qualify. The estimated cost for the 4th Street paving project is $2.6 million.

“That was the recommendation of K. E. McCartney that we split that,” Bradley said.

The city also plans to apply for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for the Marshall Park path.

“The Safe Routes to School, that project really didn’t fit that,” he said. “But it fits a lot better with TAP funding. We’re working on that and will have that ready for submission in November.”

ODOT plans Ohio 309 sign work for 2027

Work to replace overhead signs along Ohio 309 should begin next year after Council approved an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The project will replace overhead signs with signs along the side of the road. ODOT will pay for the work, which is scheduled to go out for bids April 8, 2027, with construction planned from May 3 through Oct. 29.

Morton said he does not expect the work to require road closures. Crews likely will use a crane to remove the existing overhead structures.

Road work continues as Fall Festival approaches

Ontario’s current resurfacing project also is moving into its next phase, with Phase 1 mostly complete.

“Kokosing is scheduled to start Phase 2 over in Autumn Ridge on Oct. 23,” Morton said.

He said Phase 2 should take about a week, weather permitting. Phase 2 includes Oakstone Drive, Ridgestone Drive, Ridgestone Court and Brookstone Drive. The work should not interfere with trick-or-treating.

The Fall Festival is set for Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall Park and will feature Ontario’s first Duck Regatta. Gallo reminded residents and businesses they can still get ducks for the regatta.

Businesses and nonprofits can purchase one duck for $250 or three for $500. The winning organization will receive a Golden Duck trophy and promotional recognition.

Individuals can purchase one duck for $5, three for $10 or seven for $20, with the winner receiving a $1,000 cash prize and trophy.

The Fall Festival also will feature elements inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, along with live music, food trucks, a pumpkin-carving contest, face painting, children’s games and a pie-baking contest.

“The whole idea of the fall festival is just nothing flashy, just a good, small town vibe that we’re trying to create,” Recreation Director and Ontario Youth Sports Director Kenn Spencer said.

Other matter discussed during council

• Councilman Jason Bilyj noted there will be a meeting Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the temporary budget.
• Bradley said he met with Drew Foster, the new owner of Chick-fil-A, and described him as someone who seems very interested in being part of the community.
• Morton said five firms expressed interest in conducting the Walker Lake Road study. Officials will meet Oct. 21 at 5:15 p.m. for further discussion.
• Morton said the city scheduled a pre-construction meeting for the sanitary sewer force main project along State Route 309 from Rock Road toward Emerson, adding the company wants to begin work right away.
• Ontario’s trick-or-treating is scheduled for Oct. 31 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Bradley recognized Ontario resident Craig Hunt for volunteering to mow the property at Shelby-Ontario Road and Park Avenue West through the end of the year. The building there was torn down, and the Community Improvement Corporation had been discussing lawn care for the property.
• Hunt also asked council about a concrete structure being built on Park Avenue West. Bradley and Morton confirmed the structure is residential.