Weathersfield Trustees: Data center not permitted in proposed location

Weathersfield Township trustees have declared that a proposed data center by Whitetail Creek LLC, also known as Bitdeer, is not allowed under current Industrial B zoning regulations for three parcels on Belmont Avenue within the township. The company has not submitted formal plans but has initiated a petition to annex these parcels into the City of Niles. Weathersfield Township's statement highlights that data centers are not a permitted or conditionally permitted use in the affected district. If the annexation is approved, the City of Niles would assume jurisdiction over zoning and development decisions for the entire site. Weathersfield Township is collaborating with Niles officials to negotiate a pre-annexation agreement to establish protections regarding land use, infrastructure, environmental impact, and public safety. Residents have voiced significant opposition to the project, with Niles First Ward Councilman Doug Sollitto reporting over 350 messages of concern. The Niles City Council has scheduled a public hearing for May 20 to discuss a potential moratorium on data center construction. The proposed moratorium aims to halt development while residents work to place the issue on a statewide ballot. Concerns raised by residents and acknowledged by the board include noise, water usage, and energy demands from large-scale data centers.