Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said Friday the city has no plans to consider a data center proposal in May, and the city will schedule a series of public forums on the controversial topic.
The city issued the statement in response to social media chatter suggesting a “data center proposal or property annexation for a hyperscale center” will appear on the city council agenda on May 11 or May 18.
“While we have seen growing interest in our area from various businesses, including those in the data sector, we want to clarify that there are currently no plans to present a data center proposal in May,” the statement read.
Online rumors about a proposed data center last month prompted residents to speak out at a city council meeting about a development city officials later confirmed was not a data center project.
Data centers are popping up across the county to meet the demands of artificial intelligence. Critics worry the operations will drain resources, primarily water and energy.
McLean County government has set its own land use policy for data centers, allowing them only in areas zoned for manufacturing and putting in additional guardrails. Bloomington and Normal have not set any regulations of data centers.
“I will propose to interested citizens a series of public forums, to listen to diverse points of view on the issue,” Brady said. “Together, with this council and you the residents of Bloomington, we will lead with the integrity, transparency and open communications no matter the issue.”
Illinois lawmakers are considering legislation to regulate data centers. One proposal known as the POWER Act would require companies to pay for their own energy costs and report water usage, among other things.
Data center forum
Several community groups opposed to data centers have scheduled a public forum on Monday to discuss data center impacts.
The Citizens Utility Board, Faith in Place, the Illinois Environmental Council and Prairie Rivers Network scheduled the meeting for 6-8 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library.
"Communities are often left without clear information about how data centers may affect local resources, energy prices, and environmental health," the coalition said in a statement. "This event is an opportunity for residents to learn, ask questions, and help shape how our communities respond to this growing industry."
Sangamon County recently approved plans for a $500 million data center.
Last month, Pekin rejected a proposal for a data center after hearing considerable pushback from residents.
