Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Westerville / April 29, 2025

💻 Data center dilemma

Westerville • April 29, 2025

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Good morning, Westerville. Central Ohio has quietly transformed into a tech powerhouse, with data centers from Amazon, Google, and Microsoft reshaping our economic landscape. While these digital warehouses bring substantial tax revenue without crowding schools, they come with hidden costs—potentially consuming up to 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028 and using vast amounts of water resources. The environmental impact often remains behind closed doors, concealed by nondisclosure agreements between tech giants and local governments.

Meanwhile, Powell police have launched their S.A.F.E. Passage Initiative targeting speeders on Sawmill Parkway, focusing on the stretch between Seldom Seen and Home Roads through Labor Day. For those seeking more pleasant adventures, Southwest Ohio offers seniors delightful day-trip destinations within three hours—from the Cincinnati Zoo's special events to Hocking Hills' accessible trails and Sauder Village's immersive 1840s historical experience.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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💻 Central Ohio emerges as booming data center hub with hidden costs. What began with Amazon's 2016 Hilliard facility has transformed the region into a tech ecosystem attracting giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft. While these facilities have increased tax revenue without adding students to schools, they consume massive amounts of electricity and water—potentially using up to 12% of U.S. electricity by 2028. The environmental impact often remains undisclosed due to nondisclosure agreements between tech firms and local governments, with fewer than one-third of data centers tracking water consumption. Despite concerns, proponents argue the centers are necessary infrastructure for our increasingly digital world.

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🧓 Southwest Ohio offers seniors adventure-packed day trips within three hours. The Cincinnati Zoo delights with special events, diverse animals, and beautiful botanical gardens, while Over-the-Rhine District provides shopping and arts experiences. Nature lovers can explore Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus or hike accessible trails at Hocking Hills State Park. Other options include Yellow Springs' small-town charm, BB Riverboat daytime cruises, and Sauder Village's immersive historical experience where visitors can step back in time to the 1840s.

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🚔 Powell police declare war on Sawmill Parkway speeders. The S.A.F.E. Passage Initiative targets reckless driving along the stretch between Seldom Seen Road and Home Road, an area with higher speed limits and serious accident history. Officers will increase traffic stops, run a social media education campaign, and conduct focused enforcement during major holidays. Powell Police Chief Ron Sallows emphasized the initiative is about creating a "culture of traffic safety" through both enforcement and awareness. The crackdown, running through Labor Day, involves partnerships with Delaware County Sheriff's Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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🎤 Featured Event: Use Code "localbrew"

The Memorial Hop - May 28th

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⛳️ Network with Columbus's finest at Business Hop 3.0. This invitation-only gathering connects 75 mentors with 225 rising stars during Memorial Tournament week at Muirfield Village. Guests enjoy premium food and drinks while building meaningful relationships across three unique venues. Beyond valuable connections, the event also provides support to our community, with 10% of event proceeds support My Village Ministries.

Ticket link: https://posh.vip/e/the-memorial-hop

Password: Hop111

Promo code: localbrew

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Westerville ranch dream needs love: Priced at $438,500, this Westerville ranch home offers 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a bright kitchen, serene 3-season room, and partially finished basement in the desirable Ravine Ridge neighborhood.
Real estate listing image Westerville luxury townhome convenience: A townhome in Westerville proper is asking $624,900. The 4-level residence offers maintenance-free living and prime proximity to local attractions, including Uptown Westerville, the Community Center, and Polaris Parkway.
Real estate listing image Green Townhome Nearly Complete Ready: Priced at $469,900, this soon-to-be-completed Towns on the Greenway home features three bedrooms, stylish kitchen with island seating, a deck, owner's suite with private bath, and smart home features.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🔬 Apr. 29 - COSI Science Festival Kickoff: Spark your curiosity at the COSI Science Festival on April 29! Join the Big Science Celebration outside the Center of Science and Industry with hands-on activities and community events for all ages.
🧪 Apr. 30 - NextGen BioMed STEAM Festival: Dive into the future of biomedical engineering at COSI's FREE "NextGen BioMed" event! Students and parents can enjoy hands-on STEAM activities at Westerville Public Library on April 30.
🍽️ May 1 - Taste of Westerville: Savor the best of local cuisine at Taste of Westerville! Join fellow foodies at Gourmet Fresh Catering on May 1 for delicious food samples, plus wine and beer tastings from our Chamber Members.
🏛️ May 01 - Maifest: Legends & Landmarks: Step into spring at Maifest: Legends & Landmarks! Join the German Village Society on May 1 to celebrate local history and help preserve our cherished heritage at 588 S 3rd St, Columbus.
🚚 May 02 - Grismer Food Truck Friday: Kick off summer with a feast on wheels at Westerville Grismer Food Truck Friday! Swing by Grismer Tire & Auto Service Center on May 2nd for a delicious lineup of mobile eateries.
🎵 May 2 - Uptown Friday Music Night: Groove to live music and browse local art at Uptown Friday Nights on May 2! Stroll through Uptown Westerville as merchants stay open late, creating a vibrant evening scene at 27 E Home St.
🎷 May 3 - Westerville Horns Showcase: Blow your horn at the Westerville Horns Showcase! Join fellow brass enthusiasts at Music & Arts on May 3 to explore upcoming events and connect with the local music community.
📚 May 3 - Ohioana Book Festival: Meet your favorite Ohio authors and illustrators at the Ohioana Book Festival! Join the literary celebration on May 3 at the State Library of Ohio, 274 E 1st Ave #100, Columbus.
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