Bloomington’s city council plans to discuss a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers next week.
The council’s monthly nonvoting meeting at 6 p.m. Monday will mark the first time the council has planned to consider policy on data centers since it sought public feedback at two public forums last week.
Talk of hyperscale data centers has animated many residents who have raised concerns about their potential to drain community resources, including water and electricity, and create noise and light pollution.
Large data centers are considered crucial to power the upcoming wave of artificial intelligence.
City officials have acknowledged “potential interest” in a hyperscale data center on land adjacent to Bloomington.
“To allow time for a more comprehensive review process, staff is going to propose a temporary moratorium on applications for hyperscale data centers while updated regulations are considered,” City Manager Jeff Jurgens said in a news release.
Mayor Dan Brady said a moratorium, if approved, would give the city time to review standards and gather more public feedback before putting permanent rules in place.
“We’ve heard clearly from residents that they want Bloomington to take a thoughtful and measured approach as conversations surrounding hyperscale data centers continue,” Brady said.
McLean County already has moved to regulate where data centers can locate within the county’s jurisdiction, limiting them to manufacturing districts. The county could adopt more stringent guidelines next month.
Illinois lawmakers also are considering how to regulate data centers, but have not taken any action during the spring session.
The council meeting, which will take place at the Government Center, includes a public comment period.
The city council is not expected to take a formal vote on Monday. That would likely come at a future meeting.
