01/08/2026
Welcome to Piqua Citizens Against the Data Centers
This page exists to gauge interest among Piqua citizens who are concerned about how the recently approved data center project on the south side of town was handled. To be clear: this is not an anti-technology or anti-development page. Many of us are not inherently opposed to data centers themselves.
What we are opposed to is the process.
This project was developed and negotiated behind non-disclosure agreements, with no meaningful opportunity for citizen input. City leadership repeatedly claimed they “couldn’t discuss” the project until it was suddenly placed on the agenda for a vote—at which point certain commissioners made it clear the decision had already been made, regardless of what residents said during public comment.
To make matters worse, the commission declared the measure an “emergency”, citing the developer’s timeline. What was not clearly explained is that under Piqua’s City Charter, passing a measure as an emergency prevents citizens from using a referendum to challenge it.
For those unfamiliar:
A referendum initiative allows citizens to collect signatures within a set time after a non-emergency ordinance is passed, forcing the issue onto the ballot so voters—not just elected officials—can decide. Declaring an ordinance an emergency removes that right.
This page is about transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local government—principles that should matter to everyone, regardless of where you land on this specific project.
We will also be launching a private discussion group for citizens who want to talk through ideas, concerns, and possible next steps in more depth.
If you’re a Piqua resident who believes:
1) Citizens should not be cut out of major decisions,
2) emergency powers should not be used to sidestep the public,
3) and local government should be honest and transparent,
then you’re in the right place.
Please follow, share, and invite others who care about how decisions are made in our city.
