Oppidan Proposes Data Center Complex in McDonald Ohio

Oppidan Investment Company proposed the construction of a data center complex on the former McDonald Steel site in McDonald, Ohio. The Minnesota-based developer plans to build between nine and 12 data centers and two to four administrative buildings over a five-year period. The company claims the project would create 250 full-time jobs with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 without requiring tax abatements or incentives.

To address community misconceptions regarding noise, land use, and resource consumption, the developer published a guide on Facebook ahead of public forums held on September 15 and 16, 2026. During these meetings, residents dismissed the presentation as a "dog and pony show," citing concerns over health, safety, and the village's small-town atmosphere. Community members specifically highlighted the need for the site to meet United States Environmental Protection Agency standards for the cleanup of asbestos and heavy metals.

Opponents of the project argue that the number of long-term jobs is insufficient compared to traditional manufacturing. In response to these concerns, residents are calling on village leaders to implement an emergency 12-month moratorium on data centers until a citizen's advisory board can be established to evaluate the risks and benefits of the development.