Lee County officials: No data center coming to 387-acre property near Nelson
Lee County officials deny that a data center is planned for a 387-acre property near Nelson, despite public protests and a removed real estate listing. Local residents had initiated a petition citing concerns about farmland, rural character, and environmental health, leading to the county implementing a technology overlay zoning district to regulate potential future developments. Governor JB Pritzker has also halted state tax incentives for data centers.
Lee County officials have clarified that no data center development is actively planned for a 387-acre property near Nelson, despite significant public outcry. Residents had reacted negatively to a real-estate listing, since removed from the Lee County Industrial Development Association's (LCIDA) website, which advertised the land along Interstate 88 and U.S. 30 as "prime data center development land."
The public's concerns, fueled by a Change.org petition started by Rock Falls Alderman Marshall Doane, centered on the potential rezoning of farmland, threats to rural character, and environmental impacts in Lee and Whiteside counties. The controversy escalated to legal action, with Harley R. Delander of Dixon charged with intimidation, stalking, and cyberstalking LCIDA Executive Director Tom Demmer in connection with the data center issue.
Lee County Administrator Jeremy Englund explained that while officials had preliminary discussions with companies, no specific property was involved, and nothing materialized. He attributed the heightened interest in Illinois to 2019 state legislation offering tax exemptions and credits for data center development. Englund noted that the Nelson area, with its excess electrical capacity, was naturally identified by developers.
In response to these developments, Lee County officials implemented a technology overlay zoning district about a year ago. This district designates suitable areas and imposes regulations on technological developments, including requirements for setbacks, noise, decommissioning plans, site restoration, and environmental impact reports. Significantly, such developments now require a county board vote and building permits. Officials emphasized a structured public process for any formal development proposals, including public meetings and committee reviews. Additionally, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a halt to state tax incentives for data centers effective July 1, citing concerns over energy affordability and water resources.