Sangamon board approves creation of data center near Waverly during heated meeting

The Sangamon County Board recently voted 17-10, with one abstention, to approve a conditional permitted use for CyrusOne to construct a $500 million, 600 megawatt data center in Talkington Township, a few miles from Waverly. This decision greenlights central Illinois' first data center, despite a contentious public meeting in Springfield. The project has been a focal point of debate, with proponents, including Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance President Ryan McCrady, highlighting the economic benefits, such as hundreds of long-term construction jobs. Opponents, however, voiced significant concerns over potential disruptive effects like pollution, noise, and increased strain on the electric grid, urging the board to consider long-term community impacts. Tuesday's meeting, held at the Bank of Springfield Center, was packed with both supporters and opponents. An attempt by Republican board member Craig Hall to postpone the vote failed, as did a motion to extend the public comment period. Democrat Marc Ayers, a departing board member, accused CyrusOne of instructing a union to fill public comment slots to limit opposition input, an allegation the company denied, stating it sought fairness. Following the vote, which saw cheering from proponents and jeers from opponents, CyrusOne President John Hatem stated the company would address community issues and work as a long-term partner in Sangamon County, estimating a four to six-year construction and operation start-up timeline.