The Urbana City Council met during its regular Tuesday night meeting, where a motion not listed on the agenda was introduced to begin the process of repealing the city’s zoning ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.
The zoning ordinance in question includes a provision that allows data centers as a permitted use on land zoned “M1” (light industrial). The primary area of concern includes property located south of the Champaign County Administration Building along U.S. Route 68 and Ohio Route 55.
The Planning Commission serves as the primary authority over zoning matters. City Council may refer issues to the commission through a resolution, which is the process used in this case.
The motion directs City Law Director Mark Feinstein to draft the necessary documents to be presented at the next council meeting. Council is expected to review the draft and make a recommendation to the Urbana City Planning Commission, which would take action on the proposal.
Feinstein explains what the process is moving forward and the potential impact of this motion being approved.
The repeal process follows the same general procedural steps used in adopting zoning ordinances, requiring action between City Council and the Planning Commission.
Council also discussed a subcommittee formed to study the impacts of data center development in Urbana. The committee adopted the following mission statement:
“To conduct a thorough, factually grounded, and balanced study of the possible impacts and possible benefits of data center development on the City of Urbana and surrounding area, and to recommend specific, measurable standards across each area of concern that any data center development in Urbana must meet. This will provide useful output so that council has the factual foundation it needs to make decisions.”
The subcommittee is intended to provide information and recommendations for future consideration by council regarding data center development.
No one else on the council was available for comment due to an executive session being held.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5th.
