The Urbana City Council held a public hearing Tuesday evening and continued consideration of legislation that could impact the future of a proposed data center project in the city.
Council members held the hearing before a special meeting Tuesday night at the Urbana Fire Division’s East End station. The hearing focused on a proposal that would restore the city’s zoning rules to the version that was in place before the calendar flipped to 2026, when the zoning changes that allow a data center project were approved. If adopted, the measure would remove those provisions and prevent the site from being used for a data center.
The ordinance is centered on zoning regulations that currently allow for the development of a data center within the city. If approved, the proposed amendment would remove those provisions, preventing the land from being used for such a project.
Members of the public were invited to comment on the issue, and many residents attended to voice their continued opposition to the proposed data center. Speakers included concerned community members as well as representatives from Cedar Bog Nature Preserve.
Those addressing the council raised a variety of concerns, including the potential impact on the area’s natural environment and wildlife habitat. Several speakers emphasized the importance of preserving Cedar Bog and surrounding ecosystems, while others expressed concerns about possible pollution, increased traffic, water usage, and noise generated by a large-scale data center. Some residents specifically cited concerns about both noise levels and specific-frequency sound that could be associated with such a facility.
According to city documents, the proposal was reviewed by the Urbana Planning Commission on May 18. The commission voted unanimously, 7-0, to recommend approval of the amendment.
The ordinance received its second reading during Tuesday’s meeting. Because the measure requires three readings and a public hearing, final action has not yet been taken.
The Urbana City Council is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, June 16, when the ordinance is expected to be voted upon.
