Yorkville tables vote on 80-acre data center near Caledonia subdivision

The Yorkville City Council has postponed a crucial rezoning vote for the 80-acre Meyer data center project, initially planned near the Caledonia subdivision. This decision follows a unanimous rejection by the city's planning and zoning commission in January, which occurred after extensive public testimony against the proposal. Developers, Yorkville Nexus V LLC and Green Door Capital, have since modified the project, reducing its scope from the eastern 37-acre parcel and increasing setbacks from residential areas. The vote is now anticipated at the council's April 14 meeting. Sean Reynolds of Green Door Capital stated the changes, including a 1,500-foot setback and an agreement not to develop east of Rob Roy Creek, were made in response to resident and city feedback, aiming to create "a great project for the city and residents." The proposal now focuses on rezoning two western parcels, totaling 91 acres, for data center use, while the 37-acre eastern parcel will remain zoned multi-family residential and be donated to the city. Developers also committed to a $10 million impact fee. Despite these concessions, residents like Lori Tesco of Corneils Road continue to voice strong opposition, citing concerns over long-term construction, increased pollution, traffic, and the visual impact of data centers on their homes. During a previous meeting where the 540-acre Project Steel data center was approved, many residents protested the potential transformation of the entire 3,000-acre Eldamain Corridor into a "giant data center alley." The article also briefly touches on a "hot mic" incident from a prior meeting concerning the approval of the 1,034-acre Project Cardinal, where someone was heard mocking residents. City Administrator Bart Olson addressed the incident, asserting the comments did not originate from city officials. Currently, over 3,000 acres in Yorkville are slated for data center development along the ComEd transmission station line.