Stephen M. Glazier
- Bitdeer hopes to expand into southwest Massillon.
- The planned move is expected to bring 70 full-time jobs to the city, with many starting salaries around $50,000 a year.
- Some residents who live on or near Southwest 9th Street are concerned about potential noise, high water and drainage issues.
MASSILLON – A global cryptocurrency technology company wants to build in the city, investing about $150 million and bringing 70 jobs to the community.
But some city leaders and neighbors have doubts about the project. The project includes constructing two warehouses, approximately 24 database buildings and office space along the west side of Southwest Ninth Avenue between Southwest Industrial Avenue and Albrecht Avenue South.
BitDeer, which is based in Singapore and has U.S. headquarters in San Jose, Calif., bought the property last year for $1.6 million.
The City Council is being asked to replant part of the 31 acres to accommodate the project. If the rebuild is approved and other applications needed for construction are approved, the company could break ground on the project as early as early April, said Paul Hanson, Bitdeer's project manager. . Completion is scheduled for August 2025.
“We are excited about this opportunity and what Massillon has to offer,” said Hanson, who is based in Texas. “We want to do everything we can to be good stewards and neighbors.”
Once open, the Bitdeer facility in Massillon will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Hanson said.
The expansion will bring about 70 jobs to Massillon, Hanson said. Positions include factory managers, human resources staff, safety managers, electricians, computer repair specialists, and more.
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Hanson said some positions will be transferred from other Bitdia facilities, but the majority will be filled by local employees.
Neighboring residents and Massillon officials voice concerns about Bitdeer's relocation.
Some residents who live near the proposed Bitdia site are uncomfortable with the idea of the company moving. Several people spoke at last week's City Council meeting.
“It's been flooding there for years,” said Tim Phillips, of Ninth Avenue, S.D., adding that capped oil and gas wells on the property could also be a potential hazard. He added that there is.
Some City Council members appear to agree with neighbors about the project's concerns, including location, water issues and potential noise. The property was formerly owned by Republic Steel and is located just south of MPI Logistics & Services.
“I don't think this is the right place,” Republican Councilwoman Julie Herwig-Smith, 5th District, said at last week's City Council meeting. “This (facility) should be built in a more remote location, not in the middle of a city or next to a residential area.”
Other City Council members also spoke at the meeting, including Democratic District 2 Rep. Eric Ray.
Ray suggested the city might consider building plans submitted by Bitdeer as a way to monitor potential problems.
Bitdeer's 31-acre property is adjacent to a residential area in Perry Township. Rezoning is required to redo easements to add infrastructure or renovate existing buildings as your company expands.
The City Council is expected to further discuss the Bitdeer redevelopment in a scheduled work session tonight. Hanson and other company representatives are also expected to attend the meeting.
The earliest Congress can formally vote on the issue is March 18.
Bitdeer facility plans to add 70 jobs in Massillon's IT department
Urban Development Director Ted Hernkein said many of Bitdeer's starting salaries will be in the $50,000-a-year range, and said the location is a good fit because it's in an industrial area.
“These are the high-paying IT jobs that people want in Massillon,” he said.
He added that Bitdeer plans to invest approximately $150 million in new facilities, equipment and payroll once it is operational at the 9th Avenue, S.D. location.
Hahnkein said Bitdia is prepared to address residents' concerns, and that building a treeline, potential grassy mound and a 10-foot-tall wooden fence are ways to alleviate noise from the facility. It pointed out.
Mr Hernkane said a larger reservoir would also address the area's existing drainage issues and high water bodies.
Please contact Steven at [email protected]. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
