Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging CyrusOne Data Center Approval

A Sangamon County judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the County Board's approval of a proposed CyrusOne data center, finding that the research, testimony and evidence considered by the Board provided a rational basis for its decision. Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Adam Giganti issued the ruling November 6, dismissing all five counts of the complaint with prejudice.

The lawsuit challenged the County Board's April 7 decision to approve a conditional use permit for the proposed $500 million data center on approximately 280 acres in Talkington Township. The Board approved the project by a 17-10 vote, with one member abstaining, following months of research, public hearings, presentations and consideration of the development's potential economic and environmental impacts.

As part of its review process, Sangamon County staff researched issues related to data center development and compiled information addressing infrastructure, utilities, environmental concerns, employment and tax revenue. The county also held public hearings, including a December 2025 hearing at the Bank of Springfield Center featuring presentations both supporting and opposing the project. The Board subsequently considered testimony from CyrusOne and more than 80 community members during its March 23 and April 7 meetings before granting approval.

In his ruling, Giganti emphasized that the County Board's zoning decisions are entitled to a strong presumption of validity under the rational basis standard of review. The court determined that the information presented throughout the approval process established legitimate governmental reasons for supporting the development, including job creation, economic investment, infrastructure improvements, limited environmental effects and projected tax revenue.

The court specifically referenced testimony projecting at least 500 skilled construction jobs over four to six years and a minimum of 100 permanent positions, with annual salaries ranging from $65,000 to $150,000. Additional testimony outlined at least $500 million in community investment and approximately $6 million in annual countywide tax revenue, along with proposed improvements to Waverly Lake, Apple Creek water infrastructure, local fire equipment and educational programs.

The lawsuit was filed by neighboring farmers, homeowners and business owners, including members of the Caruthers family and the owner of Joette Kennel. The plaintiffs raised concerns about industrial noise, generator emissions, water demands, property values and the conversion of productive farmland for industrial use. They also challenged aspects of the county's approval process.

Giganti concluded that the complaint and its supporting exhibits themselves demonstrated a rational basis for the Board's decision. The judge dismissed the first four counts on those grounds and dismissed the fifth count because the plaintiffs failed to allege a timely challenge to the amendment at issue.

The dismissal leaves the County Board's conditional use approval in place, although the development remains subject to applicable permitting and regulatory requirements. The plaintiffs retain the option of seeking appellate review.