Opposition continues as Yorkville reviews data center agreement
The Yorkville City Council held a public hearing where residents voiced opposition to the proposed Project Cardinal data center campus, citing concerns over farmland loss, rising power bills, and environmental impact. Developer Pioneer Development is seeking an extension to the deadline for closing on the property for the project, with an amended agreement also including more detailed water-use penalties. The council did not vote but may address the extension request at a future meeting.
The Yorkville City Council convened on Tuesday for a public hearing, where residents expressed continued opposition to the proposed Project Cardinal data center campus. Concerns raised by community members, including Mary Jo Klaus, centered on the potential loss of farmland, anticipated increases in power bills, and broader environmental impacts associated with data center operations.
Developer Pioneer Development has requested an extension to the deadline for closing on the property designated for the data center, which is covered by a previously approved annexation agreement. City Administrator Bart Olson indicated that a proposed amendment to this agreement also includes more explicit language concerning water-use penalties, addressing residents' questions about water restrictions and infrastructure costs.
Keith Landovitz, a resident living near the proposed site, argued that the scale of modern data centers amplifies potential unintended consequences, particularly regarding increased electricity demand, and suggested scaling back the project. Representatives for Pioneer Development declined to comment on their reasons for seeking the extension. The City Council did not take a vote on the matter but may place it on the agenda for its June 23 meeting.