Coleman defends Aligned Data Center deal, cites $17M in new tax revenue

Perkins Township trustee says development will boost local economy for years — pushes back on political critics

PERKINS TWP. —

Township trustee chair Timothy Coleman is defending a major tax-incentive agreement with Aligned Data Centers, calling it a responsible economic development strategy that will bring more than $17 million in new local tax revenue over the next 15 years.

The west end of the Aligned Data Centers’ NEO-01 building at the former KBI site seen here in this photo taken July 17, 2025. PHOTO/Matt Westerhold

The 128-acre development site — vacant since 2016 — was previously considered for a project by LEWCO, which sought a 30-year tax increment financing (TIF) agreement and annexation to the city. That proposal ultimately fell through, and the project relocated to Port Clinton.

Coleman said the Aligned project builds on lessons learned from that experience and sets the stage for long-term community gains.

“With nearly 200,000 man-hours already invested in this project, many local trades are benefitting and will for many years as three additional buildings go under construction,” Coleman wrote in a detailed statement. “I don’t know how someone could say we gave away $175 million after reviewing these and many other facts.”

Coleman is pushing back on claims made by former township fiscal clerk Lisa Crescimano, who is running for a township seat in the fall election. She contends Coleman and trustee Jim Lang gave back way too much in the agreement with ADC.