Urbana data center: What happens if the charter amendment and proposed settlement pass?
Urbana voters will decide whether to prohibit future data centers through a charter amendment, while the city considers a proposed settlement with Thor Equities over its planned Urbana Technology Hub. Thor has sued Urbana after the city imposed a 12-month moratorium and repealed zoning rules allowing data centers; the settlement decision was tabled until Nov. 3.
Thor Equities is seeking to build the Urbana Technology Hub near Ohio 55 and U.S. 68 in Urbana, but the proposal faces an upcoming voter referendum that would prohibit most future data center construction. Residents also launched recall efforts against Mayor Bill Bean, citing concerns about the project and a lack of transparency.
The company sued Urbana, its City Council and Building and Zoning Appeals Board after the city approved a 12-month moratorium on new data centers and repealed zoning provisions permitting them. Following court-ordered mediation, Thor proposed dismissing the lawsuit, waiving tax abatements, paying the city millions for improvements and services, and funding independent impact studies. City Council tabled the settlement again on Oct. 20 and plans to resume consideration on Nov. 3, while officials say the federal litigation and a state administrative appeal could determine whether the current project proceeds.