SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Hundreds of Sangamon County residents packed the BOS Center waiting to hear the vote about the new data center. While some oppose the facility, many labor unions feel the project will help families.  

"I represent 10,000 working men and women here in central Illinois. And this project, along with putting 500 minimum of those folks to work with good-paying jobs right here in central Illinois. The ability to spend money right here in central Illinois, " Aaron Gurnsey, the president of Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council.  

The proposed CyrusOne data center in Sangamon County is promising major economic benefits to the county. The project is four 450,000 square foot buildings that will take four to six years of construction. For skilled trade workers, this means a stable income. 

"These workers care deeply about this region. They're the ones helping with the storm cleanup. When disaster strikes, coaching the little league teams," Gurnsey said.  

Not everyone is on board with the data center. Many residents still have concerns and ask the board to hold the vote for a later date. Earlier in the meeting, the board voted not to hold the project any longer, but by the end, reversed that decision.  

"After 15 county meetings on this controversy, there are still unanswered questions and concerns. There is no legal urgency. Tonight is merely a self-imposed deadline," said one resident.  

From facility noises to long-term health risks, some residents are not convinced the CyrusOne deal is as sweet as it seems. 

"Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses can worsen existing heart and lung diseases, especially in children and the elderly. The elderly ... That would be me," said another resident.  

CyrusOne built a data center in Aurora, and residents have complained about noise, but the tech company said Sangamon County won't have that experience. 

"All of the measures that we've taken to mitigate noise on the campus in Aurora are already in the design for this campus here in Sangamon County. This will be new construction," said a CyrusOne spokesperson.  

If Sangamon County approves the data center, construction is expected to start in 2027. 

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