Anti-data center zoning proposal divides Coles County Board
The Coles County Board voted 7-4 against pursuing a referendum that would have allowed residents to vote on a zoning ordinance. This ordinance was aimed at limiting data center development in the county's unincorporated areas. The decision highlights a division among board members regarding regulatory approaches to development.
The Coles County Board recently voted 7-4 against moving forward with a referendum that sought to establish a zoning ordinance to restrict data center development in the county's unincorporated areas. Board Chairman Darrell Cox and member David Johnson, typically aligned on most issues, both expressed a preference for "less government," which likely influenced the decision to reject the referendum pursuit.
The proposed anti-data center zoning measure, if approved by a referendum, would have introduced new regulations for data center projects. However, the board's vote means the proposal will not be put before county residents. This outcome reflects a nuanced stance within the county leadership regarding industrial development and local government oversight.