Bloomington plans public conversation about data centers soon

The City of Bloomington, Illinois, is preparing for a public conversation about potential data center developments following community concerns. A rumored data center project in southeast Bloomington, near the Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA), was clarified by both the city and CIRA as not having current redevelopment plans. CIRA and Bloomington are seeking a state grant to study the site for potential industrial park development, which some initially feared was for a data center. Bloomington City Council member Abby Scott stated that while developers have approached the city with data center interest, any proposal would face stringent conditions regarding water use, energy sourcing, noise, and light pollution. Scott emphasized the need for clear communication and thorough vetting of any such projects. Concurrently, the McLean County Board has implemented new zoning ordinances to regulate data center development. In March, the board approved amendments to the county zoning ordinance, restricting data centers to M1 and M2 industrial zones. This move, according to Lea Cline, chair of the county board’s land use and transportation committee, signals a lack of enthusiasm for large data center proposals, particularly in agricultural districts. Cline also noted that while state law prevents a blanket ban on data centers, the county retains control over rejecting proposals that do not meet its specifications. These discussions highlight a proactive stance by both Bloomington and McLean County to manage the potential impacts of data center growth in the region.