Pekin puts 11-month pressure on data center developers to finalize contract

The City of Pekin has imposed an 11-month deadline on Western Hospitality Partners (WHP) to finalize a contract for a proposed data center on a portion of the 1,000-acre Lutticken Property. After this period, additional due diligence money would be required to advance the contract, as stated by City Attorney Jim Vasselli during a recent City Council meeting. Vasselli indicated the city is urging WHP to make a decision, referencing evolving statewide and national concerns about data centers, without specifying the city's preferred direction. A memorandum for due diligence was issued following requests from concerned residents, though Mayor Mary Burress noted its confidentiality. Vasselli confirmed the memorandum addresses due diligence and pressures WHP to decide in light of current data center circumstances. Residents near the Lutticken Property, including Dave Milan who owns a tree farm on the site, reiterated their worries about potential impacts on economic and property values. Milan expressed hesitation to invest in a new building due to fears of losing property appreciation if a data center is built nearby. Mayor Burress acknowledged the city is proceeding cautiously with the proposal. WHP is required to request a zoning change application for the property, currently zoned agricultural, before the 11-month timeline expires. As of the meeting, this request had not been filed. Both Vasselli and Burress emphasized the importance of public comment should WHP move forward with a zoning application, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process.