County Board Approves Data Center Zoning

The Sangamon County Board on Tuesday approved a proposed CyrusOne data center in Talkington Township, voting 17–10 to grant a conditional use zoning permit after the measure had been tabled at its March 23 meeting.

The meeting, held at the Bank of Springfield Center, drew an estimated crowd of around 700 people, with a slight majority appearing to be in favor of the project, as the board returned to a proposal that has been debated for months and has drawn strong interest across the community.

Board members first voted 23–5 to remove the item from the table, allowing consideration of the project to resume where it left off. A separate motion to delay the vote failed to gain enough support, clearing the way for a final decision.

The proposal calls for a $500 million data center on about 280 acres in the southwest portion of the county. CyrusOne has said the site was selected for its access to infrastructure and available power capacity, including connections tied to the Double Black Diamond solar facility. County zoning staff have previously said the project meets required standards.

The proposal was also reviewed by the Sangamon County Zoning Board of Appeals, which voted 5–0 to recommend approval. The project has been the subject of extensive review, including at least 16 public meetings, hearings, and work sessions over the past year.

Supporters of the project, including organized labor, have emphasized the potential for union construction jobs, long-term investment, and increased tax revenue. Backers have said the project has strong support from local union workers across Sangamon County and Central Illinois, describing it as an opportunity tied directly to the region’s workforce and future growth.

Unions publicly backing the project include OPCMIA Local 18, IBEW Local 193, Iron Workers Local 46, Boilermakers Locals 60 and 363, Bricklayers Local 8, Millwrights Local 1051, UA Local 137, Laborers Local 477, Carpenter Local 270, Roofers Local 112, Elevator Constructors Local 55, Sheet Metal Workers Local 218, Painters Local 90, Glaziers Local 1168, Asbestos Workers Local 1, Operating Engineers Local 965, and Local Union 146.

Opponents have raised a range of concerns throughout the process, including environmental and infrastructure impacts, as well as broader claims about the role of data centers. Some speakers argued the project could contribute to increased surveillance capabilities or make the area a potential target for attacks. Others expressed concerns about emissions and resource use, including claims that pollutants could impact air and water quality across a wide region, with some citing effects extending up to 900 miles.

After several hours of discussion, the board moved to a final vote, approving the request 17–10.

The approval allows the site to be used for a data center, though additional county approvals, including building permits, will still be required before construction can begin.