Data center controversy sparks recall effort in Urbana
Urbana residents are seeking a recall of Mayor Bill Bean and a city charter amendment to prohibit data centers, following the city council's actions. Developer Thor Equities has filed federal lawsuits against the city after zoning changes allowing data centers were repealed and a one-year moratorium was enacted. The lawsuits concern a proposed 230-acre data center project.
Urbana City Council meetings continue to be dominated by public participation and controversy surrounding proposed data center developments. Residents are circulating two petitions: one to recall Mayor Bill Bean for alleged lack of transparency and abuse of office regarding the development, and another to amend the Urbana City Charter to prohibit data center construction within city limits.
These actions come as Thor Equities is engaged in a legal battle with the city. The developer recently filed a federal lawsuit after the council repealed zoning changes that would have allowed data centers and enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center development. Thor Equities claims to have invested nearly $20 million in a proposed 230-acre project and is seeking court intervention to allow it to proceed. A separate administrative appeal has also been filed in Champaign County Common Pleas Court. City officials have declined to comment on the pending litigation.