Urbana Planning Commission recommends removing data center zoning changes
The Urbana Planning Commission has unanimously recommended that the city remove recent zoning changes that could allow data centers in light industrial areas. This decision sends the issue back to the Urbana City Council, which is expected to make a final decision during an upcoming meeting. City leaders have raised concerns about the potential impact of large data center projects on the community.
The Urbana Planning Commission voted unanimously on Monday evening to recommend that the city reverse recent zoning changes that would have permitted data centers in areas zoned for light industrial use. The commission's decision sends the matter back to the Urbana City Council for a final vote.
These zoning updates, initially approved last year, had introduced new permitted uses related to computer servers, web hosting, and data processing, thereby opening the door for potential data center developments. However, city leaders, including Councilwoman Amy Jumper, have recently voiced concerns regarding the potential impact of large data center projects on the community, particularly in areas south of the Champaign County Administration Building near major routes.
Councilwoman Jumper initiated the proposal to revert the zoning rules to their previous state. The Planning Commission's review was a required step under city rules before the City Council could take final action. City officials declined to comment on the commission's decision, which now awaits consideration by the Urbana City Council at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 19.