Questions surrounding transparency, economic development, and the future of possible data center projects were among the main topics discussed during Tuesday night’s regular meeting of the Urbana City Council.
Council Moves Forward On Data Center Zoning Review
Council formally addressed the Urbana Planning Commission’s recent recommendation to reverse zoning changes approved last year that could allow data centers in certain light-industrial districts.
The Planning Commission unanimously voted Monday night to recommend removing zoning language tied to computer servers, web hosting, and data processing facilities following recent public discussion about the potential impact of large-scale data center development near U.S. Route 68 and Ohio Route 55.
A member of Council previously introduced legislation seeking to return the zoning code to its previous language before the changes were approved.
During Tuesday’s meeting, council approved an emergency motion to move the review process forward more quickly. Under city procedure, the proposal still requires three readings and a public hearing before final action can be taken.
A special council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, for the required public hearing regarding the Planning Commission recommendation. Council is expected to use its regular June 2 and June 16 meetings for the remaining readings and a possible final vote.
Public Comments Focus On Communication, Development Concerns
A large portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, where several residents spoke about communication and transparency surrounding recent economic development discussions and zoning decisions related to possible data center development in Urbana.
Some residents said they believe information shared publicly in recent months has been incomplete or unclear, while others expressed concerns about how development-related discussions have been communicated to the public.
Among those addressing the council was Brad Winner Sr., who spoke about transparency concerns and encouraged city officials to “fix the record.”
Additional comments focused on broader economic development matters within the city. One resident stated they believed the owners of Vancrest decided to sell the building because of challenges involving city processes.
Mayor Bean Addresses Recent Concerns
At the conclusion of the meeting, Urbana Mayor Bill Bean issued a statement discussing his administration’s work over the past 15 years.
Bean highlighted several infrastructure and community improvement projects completed during his tenure, including upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment facility, improvements to streets and utilities, downtown pedestrian safety enhancements, the South High Street project, park improvements, recreational additions, and partnerships with organizations such as the Champaign Family YMCA.
The mayor also referenced economic development efforts, including manufacturing expansion, the arrival of Sutphen in Urbana, and the addition of healthcare facilities in the community.
Bean also addressed recent public criticism and allegations tied to development discussions and his personal finances, stating the claims were inaccurate and based on misunderstandings or incomplete information. He additionally addressed prior comments involving Richwood Bank’s participation in a local project, saying the information he shared had been provided to city officials at the time.
The mayor concluded his statement by encouraging respectful public discussion while reaffirming support for continued economic development and infrastructure improvements in Urbana.
Additional Council Business
Council also approved several financial items recommended by the city’s Board of Control.
One recommendation authorized two purchase orders totaling more than $218,000 related to repairs and replacement equipment for Medic 1 following a traffic accident on Oct. 29, 2025. The purchases include repairs and a new chassis through American National Fleet Service, totaling approximately $147,000, along with a new power load cot system from Stryker EMS Equipment costing more than $70,000.
City officials said insurance reimbursements are expected to cover a significant portion of the costs.
Council also approved a purchase order of nearly $94,500 for the Champaign Family YMCA to continue management of the Wendell Stokes Municipal Pool for the 2026 season.
