Rochelle City Council unanimously rejects data center proposal

The Rochelle City Council in Illinois recently voted unanimously to reject a data center project proposal, overturning a previous decision from March to merely table the motion. Prior to the definitive vote, Mayor Jon Bearrows addressed the council, voicing his concerns about the significant impact the data center could have on the community. He emphasized potential strain on infrastructure and the broader appeal of Rochelle to future businesses. Mayor Bearrows highlighted a critical issue: a potential power shortage. He stated that if the data center were to consume a large amount of power, such as 15 megawatts, it could lead to the city being unable to accommodate other businesses seeking less power, thereby making Rochelle less attractive for economic development.