Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Fifteen days after tabling a proposal that will allow a $500 million data center to be built near Waverly, Sangamon County Board members Tuesday approved it once and for all. The vote, 17-10 in favor with one abstention, followed an unsuccessful bid to delay it yet again.
Judging solely by public comment, nobody outside the business and labor communities wants the project, citing environmental and economic concerns.
CyrusOne‘s facility will be built in the district represented by Craig Hall, who opposes the project and who called for the proposal to be tabled March 23. Hall praised those who visited the site as part of their research; “for those of you who didn’t, because you could Google Earth it, I’m not happy with that.”
In an e-mailed statement after the meeting, CyrusOne’s director of location and power strategy, Brad Houtt, said:
“This investment will create meaningful, long-term opportunities for Sangamon County residents. From more than 500 construction jobs to over 100 permanent positions—including roles such as electricians, HVAC technicians, data center technicians, and facilities managers—we are focused on ensuring these opportunities benefit the local workforce.”
Over the course of the meeting, sheriff’s deputies removed two hecklers. Jeers greeted the final vote, with “Enjoy the rest of your terms!” being one of the printable remarks.
Construction is expected to take five years.
