Urbana residents voice opposition to proposed data center at public hearing
Urbana City Council is considering legislation to revert zoning rules, which would prevent a proposed data center project in the city. Residents and environmental groups voiced strong opposition during a public hearing, citing concerns about environmental impact, traffic, water usage, and noise. The City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance on June 16, following a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Urbana Planning Commission.
The Urbana City Council held a public hearing to discuss proposed legislation that would restore the city's zoning rules to their pre-2026 state, effectively removing provisions that currently allow for a data center project. If adopted, this amendment would prevent the proposed data center from being built at the designated site.
Residents and representatives from Cedar Bog Nature Preserve attended the hearing to voice their strong opposition. Speakers raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on the area's natural environment, wildlife habitat, and local ecosystems. Additional worries included possible pollution, increased traffic, excessive water usage, and noise from the large-scale facility, with some residents specifically noting concerns about specific-frequency sound.
The Urbana Planning Commission previously reviewed the proposal on May 18 and unanimously voted 7-0 to recommend approval of the amendment. The ordinance received its second reading during Tuesday's City Council meeting and requires a third reading and public hearing before a final decision. The Urbana City Council is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, June 16, when the ordinance is expected to be put to a vote.