HUBBARD, Ohio - A group of Hubbard residents is taking action against a possible data center project that could be built near Deer Creek Golf Course — launching a petition that organizers say is about protecting their community and demanding transparency.

The move comes months after 21 News first reported in May that discussions were underway between the City of Hubbard, Lake to River Economic Development, and an unnamed company about a potential technology project. At the time, Mayor Ben Kyle said the talks were preliminary and that no specific plans had been approved.

Now, residents say the lack of new information has only deepened their concern. The petition, circulated Monday at Tylee Park, calls for the city and township to ban large-scale data centers within Hubbard limits until a public process and environmental review can be conducted.

The petition lists multiple reasons for opposition — including environmental risks, increased noise and traffic, possible strain on utilities, and what organizers describe as a “lack of transparency” in how development decisions are made.

“I started doing some research,” said organizer Margie Johnson, who helped create the petition alongside fellow resident Melissa Wade. “It seemed it was not environmentally friendly, and when I called the mayor for answers, he could not answer my questions.”

Wade said her main goal is to ensure citizens have a say before any project is finalized. “Transparency and a conversation — citizens deserve input before anything like this is pushed through,” she said.

Organizers say they’ve gathered dozens of signatures so far and plan to continue collecting support through door-to-door efforts and future town hall meetings. Their long-term goal is to push for zoning changes that would prevent similar projects from being approved in residential areas.

The petition also urges officials to place a moratorium on new data centers until a comprehensive study of environmental and infrastructure impacts can be completed.

When reached for comment, Mayor Ben Kyle told 21 News he had no comment at this time, but previously stated that any project would require public hearings and zoning changes before moving forward.