Residents sue Sangamon County, CyrusOne
Waverly residents have filed a lawsuit against Sangamon County and its board, seeking to overturn the approval of a CyrusOne data center project. The lawsuit alleges procedural errors in the approval process and claims the zoning ordinance is inconsistent with the county's comprehensive plan. CyrusOne maintains its commitment to the project, highlighting its economic benefits and a secured 20-year state tax break.
Several Waverly, Illinois, residents have filed a lawsuit against Sangamon County and the Sangamon County Board on July 6, aiming to overturn the county's April 7 approval of a zoning change for a CyrusOne data center project. The suit, filed by attorney Chloe Russell, contends that the approval resolution is misdated, lacks a rational basis, and that permitting an industrial use on agricultural land could be detrimental without a full understanding of its impacts. It further argues that the county's 2025 data center ordinance is inconsistent with its comprehensive plan.
Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden expressed confidence in the county's procedures, and the State’s Attorney’s Office will represent the county. Circuit Judge Adam Giganti is slated to oversee the case. CyrusOne, a party in interest, reiterated its commitment to the project, emphasizing its potential for job creation, tax base expansion, and support for local services, as stated by Blair Felter, vice president of communications.
Despite the county's approval, land for the 280-acre project has not yet been sold, and a project labor agreement remains unsigned, although the Central Illinois Building & Trades Council is confident it will be finalized. CyrusOne has secured a 20-year state tax incentive through a May 20 memorandum of understanding with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which mandates at least 25 jobs by Q4 2027 and $500 million in capital investment by March 2031. Local opposition persists, with critics like Sierra Club volunteer Erin Kirkpatrick continuing to challenge the County Board and the perceived inadequacy of the local data center zoning code.