Residents urge Clermont County commissioners to expand public engagement, raise data‑center and transit concerns

During the May 13 public‑comment period Joseph Wagner of Batavia Township urged the commissioners to "return public engagement" and restore longer public‑comment allotments so residents can make substantive remarks rather than short, routine comments.

"When I get home tonight, someone's going to ask you, 'What did you do today?' ... Let's return five minutes of individuality for public engagement," Wagner said.

Union Township resident Jen Mazaklly told the board she was concerned that the economic development plan's stakeholder input did not reflect a broad cross‑section of residents. She said residents do not want data centers near riverfront sites, citing pollution concerns tied to reuse of former power‑plant areas. Mazaklly also highlighted transportation insecurity in eastern parts of the county and urged stronger supports for child care and transit so local workers can access employment opportunities.

Commissioner David Painter responded to the comments by clarifying the board had not restricted access to meetings but had changed the time allotted for speakers; the board president has discretion to grant additional time when appropriate. "There's a big difference in restricted access to a public meeting versus the time element for you to speak," Painter said, and thanked participants for attending.

The board did not change the public‑comment rules at the May 13 meeting; commissioners said the president can grant extra time on a case‑by‑case basis and encouraged continued participation.