It's the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end of discussion on data center issues in Bloomington-Normal.
The Aug. 13 thunderstorms damaged far more trees in Bloomington than the April tornadoes. And the city is happy that Downtown renovations are on schedule to finish phase one next month.
That's all in a new Sound Ideas interview with Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens.
Data centers
Jurgens said a long public forum on data centers this week was just the early part of the discussion about data center policy.
“I'm not sure anybody's mind is necessarily going to be changed, but I think people are open to the information, and I think it's great to get all that information out there,” said Jurgens.
He said the city has a hub on its website where people can see the video of the entire panel discussion and get other information.
Jurgens said the community will have to think about the fact that data centers built in other states could impact Central Illinois energy prices.
"One idea that has been talked about a lot is, as these data centers evolve, being sure that they help with that in some way or they help bring some of the energy," he said.
People who favor data centers suggest communities should take advantage of the property tax benefits they bring because cities in other states will do it if Illinois doesn't. Opponents of the facilities have said center owners need to be held responsible for their impact.
Jurgens said he's proud of the way the public conducted itself at the forum on the controversial topic, adding a lot of good ideas came out and the crowd was respectful. Other communities have had to cancel similar forums, he said.
"Even if people disagree on things, we're willing to come together and listen and learn, and then make what we believe is the best decision for our community," said Jurgens.
There also will be two Bloomington Planning Commission hearings on data center policy. The city has set those for Oct. 1 and Nov. 5, though the dates could change. The Town of Normal also would have to place data center policies before its planning commission before any regulation could go to the council.
Debris and more debris
The haul from the August thunderstorms in Bloomington is now 215% more than it was for the tornadoes back in April.
“The numbers aren't good. So as of the end of the day [Wednesday], our public works crews have already collected 1,394 loads of debris. Just to give some perspective to that ... [after] the tornado, we ... only collected 442 loads,” said Jurgens. “And I'm not sure we're close to even being done yet.”
He said crews have been working overtime to haul away branches and brush and that will continue through the weekend.
Eventually, Jurgens said city foresters will turn to replanting trees shattered by high straight-line winds during the Aug. 13 storms, though Bloomington is in no danger of losing its "tree city" state designation. He said the city will not have to shoulder the burden of replanting alone.
“There are different programs. Even Ameren has a program where they will help with replacement of trees,” said Jurgens.
Streetscape
The city has a Sept. 11 target for finishing streetscape work in the 400 block of North Main Street. Jurgens said weather permitting, workers will meet that goal.
“We have had a great year, finishing the 600, the 500 and the 400 blocks. We will not be doing any additional work on Main Street for the rest of this year. Once 2027 starts and weather permits, we will finish up the 300 block,” said Jurgens.
That will complete the first phase of the streetscape project. The next phase would require deliberation on scope and funding targets. Jurgens said he doubts the city and council will lose enthusiasm for continuing the Downtown effort.
“Now that people can see and they can taste and they can feel what this is and what this looks like, I actually think there's going to be a lot more momentum to continue on,” said Jurgens. “Over 70% of this is underground infrastructure, so a lot of this is work we have to do. We're just taking the opportunity as we do it to put a fresh face on some of the Downtown.”
