Dozens of Macon Co. residents gather for data center forum

Dozens of Macon County residents gathered at a community forum hosted by two Decatur City Council members to discuss the potential development of data centers in their community. The event, held in Decatur, Illinois, saw a packed and largely one-sided house, with many residents expressing strong opposition to the idea.

Decatur resident Peggy Ryan, along with numerous others, voiced concerns, specifically mentioning the "broad wing energy center" and its carbon capture technology as a "serious long term risk to the city of Decatur." City Council Member David Horn emphasized the importance of community input, stating that creating a zoning ordinance without prior public discussion would be a mistake. Residents raised issues about potential increases in electricity rates, water usage, and the strain on existing utilities, citing a major drought the city experienced last year that led to water rationing for residents and small businesses. Horn also noted that water rates are already increasing in the city, suggesting data centers could drive them even higher.

A moratorium on data center development had been recommended in June to allow for further study, but a final decision on it has been delayed. Discussions included the potential need for a $30 million water pipeline from Harristown to Decatur if a data center were to come. Any future data center zoning proposals would first be reviewed by the City's Planning Commission before advancing to the City Council for a final vote.