Sangamon County delays vote on proposed CyrusOne data center after board meeting

The Sangamon County Board has postponed a crucial vote on a proposed 1.8-million-square-foot CyrusOne data center, following a packed board meeting where hundreds of residents voiced concerns. The project, which involves four 450,000 square foot buildings and a projected four to six years of construction starting in 2027 if approved, has sparked a divide within the community. While labor unions, represented by Aaron Gurnsey of the Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, championed the project for its potential to create at least 500 good-paying jobs and stimulate the local economy, many residents expressed significant opposition. Opponents raised issues ranging from facility noise, citing past complaints from a CyrusOne data center in Aurora, to long-term health risks associated with diesel exhaust, particularly for children and the elderly. Despite an initial vote against delaying the project, the board ultimately reversed its decision, acknowledging that "unanswered questions and concerns" remain among the populace. A CyrusOne spokesperson assured that noise mitigation measures used in Aurora would be integrated into the Sangamon County design.