Judge blocks Wilmington leaders from moving forward with approval of data center

A temporary restraining order issued in Clinton County has halted Wilmington city leaders' progress in approving a proposed data center project. The order prevented the city's planning commission from voting on site plans for the facility, as originally scheduled for a recent meeting. The meeting instead became an informational session. The project, proposed by Amazon Web Services, involves a 470-acre development on the south side of Wilmington, near U.S. 68. Amazon estimates the project to be a $25 million investment, promising to create 100 permanent jobs. However, the proposal has drawn concerns from local residents regarding potential noise and environmental impacts. During the informational meeting, an Amazon Web Services representative presented the company's plans, addressed these concerns, and answered questions from the commissioners.