Sangamon County approves zoning for potential data center

The Sangamon County Board granted a zoning request for land earmarked for a potential data center, concluding months of discussion involving county board members, the community, potential developer CyrusOne, and union representatives. At a board meeting, a resolution previously tabled in March was brought forward and voted on, despite a motion to postpone until May failing 11-17. The meeting included an hour-long public comment session where 61 people signed up to speak; 12 supported the project (many from local trade unions) and 4 voiced opposition. A motion to extend public comment also failed on a 14-14 tie broken by Chairman Andy Van Meter. Following further discussion with CyrusOne and opposition members, the board voted 17-10 with one abstention to pass the resolution. The decision was met with applause from some and chants of “shame” from others, although CyrusOne will still need separate County approval for any building permits.