Bourbonnais trustees approve moratorium on data centers
Bourbonnais trustees have unanimously approved an ordinance to enact a temporary moratorium on data center construction within the village boundaries. This measure, which expires on January 31, 2027, aims to provide the village with time to develop legal protections against future data center developments. The decision follows public concern raised by social media rumors about data centers in the area.
Bourbonnais trustees voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance implementing a moratorium on data center construction within the village until January 31, 2027. The vote followed a unanimous decision by the Economic and Community Development Committee on June 10, though two trustees were absent for the final board meeting vote.
This makes Bourbonnais the first local government in Kankakee County to enact such a measure. Mayor Jeff Keast explained that the moratorium is a temporary solution designed to give the village time to establish legal resources to manage or prevent future data center developments within its boundaries. The board meeting saw over 100 residents attend, many expressing concern over social media rumors suggesting the village was allowing a data center. Officials clarified that earlier discussions by the Planning and Zoning Board in April were focused on developing legal strategies to protect the village from data centers, not on approving them.