Community invited to Macon County data center presentation

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Citizens Voluntary Advisory Committee on Data Centers is inviting the community to attend a presentation on a data center within Macon County.

The committee is made up of local stakeholders who, according to a news release, were concerned that a potential data center moratorium in Macon County would give the impression that the area was "closed for business" regarding the controversial facilities.

The news release said CVAC was assembled after Macon County Chairman Kevin Greenfield extended an opportunity to bring together stakeholders in the community to prepare and offer advice to him and any others interested.

"CVAC is not a public body, has no public charter, no public funding and no legal authority to bind any governmental entity," the news release said.

The presentation will take place on Monday, August 31 at 5 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center Theatre. CVAC said it plans to "distribute a written report before the meeting to better enable meaningful discussion."

Macon County residents and members of grassroots advocacy organizations have opposed any potential data center project in the area, citing concerns about environmental impacts.

The Macon County Zoning Board previously recommended a 12-month moratorium on data center developments, but the county board has not voted on it.

It is uncertain when the Macon County Board will officially begin discussions on any data center ordinances or a moratorium.