Bloomington residents call for stricter data center rules, with many urging a ban
Bloomington residents urged the city to adopt stricter rules for hyperscale data centers, with many calling for an extension of the existing moratorium or a complete ban. The discussion occurred during a Bloomington Planning Commission hearing on a draft regulation ordinance, as McLean County has also adopted rules addressing water use and infrastructure costs.
Dozens of Bloomington residents spoke at a Bloomington Planning Commission public hearing in favor of tougher restrictions on hyperscale data centers. Many asked the city to extend its moratorium on new applications or prohibit such facilities altogether, while calling for stronger provisions in the draft regulation ordinance.
The debate follows recent action by McLean County, which added regulations concerning data center water use and infrastructure costs after limiting applications to manufacturing districts. The hearing included comments from residents and Planning Commission members, including Ashley Farmer, Jackie Beyer and John Prior Jr.