Another Tazewell County city considers data center to boost economic development

Delavan city leaders are actively discussing the possibility of attracting a data center to an old 100-acre Caterpillar site to stimulate economic development, as the community faces population decline and limited business growth. Alderman Douglas Bury, initially supportive, has since expressed significant concerns about the potential negative impacts, including high water usage for cooling systems, increased electricity bills, and noise pollution, questioning if the economic benefits would outweigh these drawbacks. He also noted that the property would require annexation and is near two residential homes. Conversely, Ward 3 Alderwoman Linda Slabaugh remains optimistic, believing a data center could significantly boost the local economy and help fund crucial infrastructure updates for the city's water, sewer, and electrical systems. She has been following discussions surrounding a proposed data center in Pekin by Western Hospitality Partners (WHP) and considers whether Delavan could present an alternative if Pekin's plans fall through. Slabaugh emphasizes the need for transparent agreements with developers, community benefits, and protection of the city's water supply. Currently, no data center developers have expressed interest in the Delavan site. Adding complexity to the situation, Tazewell County, where Delavan is located, passed a resolution in early May preventing its zoning department from accepting new data center project petitions until the county board completes drafting a new ordinance on the issue. The discussion on whether to pursue a data center for Delavan may reappear at the next city council meeting, depending on public comment or Mayor Adam White's agenda.