Delavan City Council says no to data centers for the foreseeable future
The Delavan City Council voted 4-1 to stop all future discussions and proposals for data center projects, largely in response to public opposition. This decision follows an earlier failed plan to annex land for data center developers. Separately, the Tazewell County Board backed a resolution to pause data center approvals until new regulations are established.
The Delavan City Council, after a swift discussion prompted by widespread public opposition, voted 4-1 to cease all consideration of future data center projects and proposals. Mayor Adam White and Ward 2 Council member Brent Nafziger indicated that numerous resident calls expressing opposition were significant factors in their decision. While the vote currently halts data center discussions, Mayor White acknowledged that future councils or legislative changes could potentially reintroduce the topic. Ward 3 Council member Linda Slabaugh cast the lone dissenting vote, advocating that the city should at least entertain proposals from "wealthy companies" for potential financial benefits. This recent decision comes after an earlier plan this year to annex and sell a 100-acre site to data center developers ultimately failed to advance.
Separately, the Tazewell County Board recently endorsed a resolution to slow the data center approval process within the county. This resolution directs the county's zoning department to not accept developer petitions for data centers until the board officially adopts an ordinance establishing specific regulations for such projects.