Ogle County community gathers to share concerns on data centers

Ogle County residents expressed significant concerns regarding potential data center developments during a Planning and Zoning Committee meeting. Reporter Cyril Walters covered the event where community members highlighted issues such as a lack of sufficient research and information on data center impacts. Resident Lauren Blundell, who previously lived in DeKalb County, shared her negative experiences with Meta's data center, citing high water usage (550,000 gallons per day), noise, and a substantial tax deficit. Blundell hopes similar developments will not affect her Ogle County neighborhood. Residents are particularly worried about water consumption and its effect on the area's water table, as well as broader land use implications. District Six Representative Ryan Roberts clarified that while there are no immediate data center plans in Ogle County, the committee needs to be informed should a company petition for one. He noted that land near the Constellations Power Plant was rezoned last year for potential data center use. An idea from the board is to establish a subcommittee to create a policy on acceptable data center conditions for Ogle County, aiming to balance constituent health and safety with fair and reasonable zoning policies. Blundell criticized the committee for holding meetings early on weekday mornings, which she believes makes attendance difficult for residents, and hopes for a future time change.