The Sangamon County Board could vote on data center zoning Tuesday

The Sangamon County Board is slated to hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 7, where it could once again address the controversial topic of zoning for a proposed $500 million CyrusOne data center. The conditional use permit for the project, planned for Talkington Township, southwest of Springfield, was previously tabled on a 15-13 vote during the March 23 board meeting. Board rules allow for a tabled item to be brought up again at one of the next three regular meetings. If a motion to remove the item from the table is approved by a majority of present board members, consideration of the permit would resume. The project, which would be central Illinois's first major data center, is anticipated to create jobs and boost the local tax base. However, the proposal faces significant opposition from groups like the Coalition for Springfield’s Utility Future, citing concerns about potential pollution, the conversion of farmland, and the strain on resources like electricity, which some fear could raise rates for residents. While the Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative, which would power the site, has dismissed concerns about electricity drain, CyrusOne officials have stated the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water consumption. Public comment is open, and attendees are reminded to adhere to the County’s Code of Conduct and Decorum Policy.