Citizens urge “fixing the record,” Urbana City Council discuss data center zoning

The Urbana City Council recently held a meeting to address the Urbana Planning Commission's recommendation to reverse zoning changes that were approved last year, which currently permit data centers in specific light-industrial areas. The Planning Commission's unanimous vote suggests removing zoning language related to computer servers, web hosting, and data processing facilities, following public discourse regarding the potential impact of large-scale data center development near U.S. Route 68 and Ohio Route 55.

During the council meeting, an emergency motion was approved to accelerate the review process for this legislation. The proposal still requires three readings and a public hearing before a final decision. A special council meeting is scheduled for June 9 for the public hearing, with remaining readings and a potential final vote expected at regular meetings on June 2 and June 16.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, where several residents voiced concerns about communication and transparency surrounding economic development discussions and zoning decisions for data centers. Brad Winner Sr. was among those who urged city officials to "fix the record" regarding shared information.

Urbana Mayor Bill Bean also issued a statement at the meeting's conclusion, reflecting on his administration's 15 years of work on infrastructure and economic development. He addressed recent public criticism and allegations concerning development discussions and his personal finances, asserting the claims were inaccurate. Mayor Bean concluded by advocating for respectful public discussion and reaffirming support for ongoing economic development in Urbana.