Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The debate continues over the proposed Cyrus One data center planned for Sangamon County, even though any full County Board vote on the proposal is still two months away.
Resident and retired attorney Don Hanrahan presented the board Tuesday night with a proposed new ordinance that would cover many residents’ concerns that he says current county ordinances do not.
“It contains detailed sound and vibration provisions, adds site requirements for energy, water, light, buffers, landscaping, other provisions, not addressed or inadequately addressed in the current ordinance,” said Hanrahan.
Hanrahan says current county ordinance would only cover sound emissions if they were to impact a home directly adjacent to the residents. Residents again spoke of that Tuesday, and presented further data on air pollution.
Another resident continued to express concern about Cyrus One’s viability as a company, claiming it’s now owned by a private equity firm. But, Cyrus One defended its reputation.
“In 25 years, we’ve weathered a tech stock bubble, a global financial crisis, an unprecedented pandemic, and wave after wave of geopolitical issues,” said Bradd Hout, Director of Location and Power Strategy. Hout says many of the data centers built by the company are still operating and still good neighbors, while centers built by other companies are newer and don’t have the history Cyrus One has.
Union workers are expected to build the center, if approved.
“We all like nice things. Progress and changes are what brings the public those nice things,” said Aaron Gurnsey, financial secretary-treasurer, Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. “So, please, support local, because when you don’t, there won’t be a local to support.”
County officials say the Cyrus One proposal will not be considered by the county’s Zoning Board until February, making March the earliest the full county board could vote.
