Letters to the editor

The Sangamon County Board recently approved zoning for a CyrusOne data center on April 7, a decision that has sparked significant criticism from community members. Claire D. Heffron-McKinney, a local resident, expressed profound disappointment, stating that the board disregarded evidence regarding environmental and health impacts. The author argued that delaying the vote or rejecting the proposal would have allowed time to establish necessary guardrails and state legislation to protect the community. Heffron-McKinney accused the board members who voted yes of jeopardizing the county's environment for generations, increasing health and safety risks, and contributing to utility rate hikes. The letter also detailed a contentious moment at the April 7 County Board meeting where union leader Brad Schaive, representing Local 477, advocated for the data center, contrasting the "professionalism" of labor supporters with the alleged "chaos" of opponents. However, Heffron-McKinney recounted an incident where Schaive verbally accosted citizens after leaving the podium, undermining his own message of decorum. Beyond the specific local outcome, the letter broadens its critique to societal reliance on data centers, suggesting that individuals are "complicit" in their proliferation through the use of social media and streaming. The author distinguishes between NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) and BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone) opposition groups, expressing more respect for the latter's concern for society's future. Heffron-McKinney concludes by advocating for a significant reduction in reliance on data centers, promoting a return to "old-fashioned" communication methods.