Bitdeer wants to build in Massillon. But some city leaders and neighbors question the move

MASSILLON – A global technology company that works with cryptocurrency wants to build in the city, investing about $150 million and bringing 70 jobs to the community.

But some city leaders and neighbors are questioning the project, which would involve constructing two warehouses, about two dozen database buildings and office space along the west side of Ninth Street SW, between Industrial Avenue SW and Albrecht Street SW.

Bitdeer, a Singapore-based company with its main U.S. office in San Jose, California, bought the property last year for $1.6 million.

City Council is being asked to replat part of 31 acres to accommodate the project. If the replat is approved, as well as other applications necessary for construction, the company could break ground on the project as soon as early April, said Paul Hanson, project manager for Bitdeer. Completion would be planned for August 2025.

"We're excited about the opportunity and what Massillon has to offer," said Hanson, who's based in Texas. "We want to do everything we can to be good stewards and neighbors."

Once open for business, the Bitdeer facility in Massillon would operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week, Hanson said.

About 70 jobs would become available in Massillon via the expansion effort, Hanson said. Positions include a plant manager, human resources staff, a safety manager, electricians and computer repair specialists.

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Some positions would be employee transfers from other Bitdeer facilities, said Hanson, but the bulk would be filled by a local workforce.

Concerns arise from neighbors, Massillon officials about Bitdeer move

Several residents who live near the proposed Bitdeer site are uncomfortable with the notion of the business moving in. A few spoke during a City Council meeting last week.

"It's been flooding out there for years," said Tim Phillips, a Ninth Street SW resident, adding that a capped oil and gas well on the property could also be a potential hazard.

Some members of City Council seem to agree with neighbors on project concerns such as its location, water issues and potential noise. The property was once owned by Republic Steel and is positioned just south of MPI Logistics & Services.

"I don't feel this is the proper site," said Councilwoman Julie Harwig-Smith, R-Ward 5, during last week's council session. "This (facility) should be built in a more remote area, not in the middle of the city and abutting a residential district."

Other council members also spoke out at the meeting, including Eric Ray, D-Ward 2.

Ray suggested the city could review building plans submitted down the road by Bitdeer as a way to monitor potential issues.

Bitdeer's 31 acres abuts residential property in Perry Township. The replat is necessary to redo easements for adding infrastructure, and rehabbing an existing building for the company's expansion.

City Council is to further discuss the Bitdeer replat tonight during its scheduled work session. Hanson and other company representatives are to be present for the meeting.

The soonest council could formally vote on the issue is March 18.

Bitdeer facility plans to add 70 jobs in IT sector for Massillon

Many of the Bitdeer starting salaries would be in the $50,000 per-year range, said city Development Director Ted Herncane, who called the location appropriate due to it being within an industrial zone.

"These are good paying jobs in the IT sector that people want in Massillon," he said.

He added that Bitdeer plans to invest around $150 million in the new facilities, equipment and payroll once it's operational on Ninth Street SW.

Bitdeer is open to addressing concerns of residents, said Herncane, who noted that constructing a tree line, potential grass mounds and a 10-foot-high wooden fence are ways to help buffer noise from its facilities.

A sizable retention pond would also address existing drainage issues and high water in the area, Herncane said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Bitdeer tech company targets Massillon industrial area for expansion