SUNBURY, Ohio — Amazon has committed a $2 billion investment into Sunbury to construct a new data center. It will be the city’s largest single investment.
The data center will be located in a new industrial park on the east side of the city.
“We think Sunbury is a great place to live right now and there are great opportunities as well. But this will really be the first of its kind for high-wage tech base opportunities,” said Daryl Hennessy, city administrator of Sunbury.
Hennessy said he’s excited about the investment and the jobs it will bring.
“Fifty direct employees full time, with on average [a salary of] 90,000 dollars a year,” he said.
10TV spoke to people at Village Coffee in Sunbury Square about the future data center.
Most people said they feel optimistic about Amazon’s investment.
“I can’t live in fear. I’m hopeful it will provide jobs and then other than that, just stay tucked away,” said Carli Saliba, Sunbury resident.
Saliba has lived in Sunbury for eight years. Despite more development, she said she doesn’t think the city will lose its charm.
“It has grown but it does still have a small-town feel,” said Saliba. “I really like the charm of a small town. I really like the idea of just this square, it’s a lost art,” said John Lundquist, owner of Kenzie’s Kandi and Sweets in Sunbury.
10TV asked the city administrator what he would say to people who are skeptical of the project.
“It’s going to have an effect on the community, but we think in a positive way. The location for the plant is on the east side, an area that is not a part of our historic downtown,” said Hennessy.
The industrial park where Amazon will build is 1,300 acres. Amazon will be occupying about 200 of those acres, which leaves room for more growth.
“To attract Amazon is fantastic. Not only because of the high wages, but it will also bring the potential to attract other businesses to the area as well,” said Hennessy.
The city administrator said he thinks the data center will be built in two years.