new center, being constructed on the site of a former GM plant, will consist of four units, each spanning over 500,000 square feet.“It’s providing a lot of labor, especially union jobs,” Coleman adds. Growth is evident around the township and has led to the close relationship between the township and Aligned who chose to build its data center campus in the region.Aligned made this choice based on the recognition that Perkins Township emergence as a growing technology hub, its geographically strategic position in relation to other tech hubs, the presence of a number of cloud, social media, and technology companies that now have deep stakes in the region, reliable power (the selected property was home to a former automotive equipment manufacturing facility) as well as the the Township’s lower incidence of natural disasters. The Aligned’s project in Perkins Township is a sustainable brownfield redevelopment.The Township reports that the project is going well. Recently, Aligned reached a significant milestone with the erection of the first columns at the construction site, marking the beginning of vertical construction. Perkins Township has played the role of a welcoming and supportive partner in the development of the data center project. The township has recognized the economic benefits that Aligned’s data center will bring to the region, including job creation and increased tax revenue. The Township has also been supportive of the Company’s efforts to engage with and support the local community. Aligned has also received a warm reception and support from the people of Perkins Township. Aligned has voiced that Perkins Township is a wonderful community to be a part of and continues to be excited about establishing a long-term presence in the region. ADDRESSING HOUSING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES Like many communities nationwide, Perkins Township faces housing demand challenges, especially when creating a balance between new single-family homes and affordable options. Trustee Coleman explains,“Many private developers are still building single homes, but realtors are “We’re willing to use tax increment financing (TIF) to help build public roads and utilities to service these areas,” Boyle confirms, signaling that the township is not just waiting for business but actively laying the groundwork to attract it. Incentives like TIF districts have played a crucial role in accelerating development. Trustee Timothy Coleman highlights recent changes in the Ohio Revised Code that have made the process more efficient for the township.“We can expedite the TIF process now, without having to go through additional layers of red tape,” he points out, which has already paid dividends for one of the county’s largest recent projects—a data center by Aligned Data Centers.The 108 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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