Citizens take Sangamon Co. data center debate to the courts
A group of Sangamon County residents has filed a lawsuit against Sangamon County and its Board over the approval of a large-scale data center developed by CyrusOne. The lawsuit challenges the county's approval process, citing concerns about noise impacts, insufficient utility documentation, and the proper zoning classification. Plaintiffs aim to have the court declare the county's approval invalid.
Sangamon County residents have initiated a lawsuit against Sangamon County and its County Board, challenging the recent approval of a large-scale data center project by CyrusOne. The County Board had voted 17-10 in early April to approve the controversial development.
The plaintiffs, including farmers and a business owner residing near the proposed site in Waverly and Virden, are contesting the county's decision on five grounds. They allege the county failed to adequately prove the data center would not negatively impact the area, specifically citing a noise study that exceeded county decibel limits and issues at another CyrusOne facility in Aurora. The lawsuit also claims the project lacked accurate documentation regarding utility usage, asserting that neither water nor electric cooperatives confirmed their ability to supply the data center.
Furthermore, the lawsuit argues the county did not demonstrate a community need for an industrial data center on agricultural land and contends that the project should have required rezoning from agriculture to industrial, rather than being deemed a "permitted use" in an agriculture district. This classification, plaintiffs claim, allowed the county to bypass a supermajority vote requirement. The residents seek a court declaration invalidating the county's approval.
Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden stated the county is aware of the complaint and is confident proper procedures were followed, with the State's Attorney's Office representing the county. CyrusOne issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the project and Sangamon County, highlighting the anticipated economic benefits, job creation, and investment in local infrastructure.