Two Pekin City Council members have publicly declared their intention to vote against a proposed data center project, signaling a potential roadblock for the development. The announcement comes amid significant community opposition and ongoing discussions about the project’s suitability for the city.
Key Takeaways
- Two out of seven Pekin City Council members have stated they will vote against the data center.
- Community opposition remains strong, with concerns about pollution, costs, and environmental impact.
- Accusations of "kickbacks" have been denied by city officials.
- Further reviews and a town hall meeting are scheduled before any final vote.
Council Opposition Emerges
Council member Dave Nutter announced his opposition at the end of a recent council meeting, stating that while data centers are inevitable, "it is not the right fit for Pekin, Illinois." He cited hours of public opposition and extensive data review as reasons for his decision. Council member Jake Fletcher echoed Nutter’s sentiment, confirming his own opposition and intention to vote no.
With seven council members in total, two "no" votes would be sufficient to defeat the project. The proposed data center is planned by New York-based Western Hospitality Partners (WHP) on 321 acres of the city-owned Lutticken Farm property, with WHP offering $4.5 million for the land.
Community Concerns and Accusations
Data center opponents have consistently filled council meeting rooms, voicing concerns about potential noise and environmental pollution, increased electric and water costs for residents, and the impact on the local ecosystem. Many speakers noted the unusual unity among diverse community members and political affiliations in opposing the project.
During public comment, Mayor Mary Burress and City Manager John Dossey addressed accusations circulating on social media and during meetings that council members and city staff are receiving "kickbacks" from WHP. Burress emphasized the integrity of the council’s process, stating, "This project was brought to us. It’s our job to figure out whether it’s right or not for our city." Nutter also expressed offense at these claims, going on record to deny taking any money from WHP.
Next Steps for the Project
While no immediate vote is scheduled, several steps remain before a decision can be made. These include city reviews of a rezoning petition, site plans, and WHP’s responses to city inquiries regarding community concerns. A town hall meeting is scheduled for March 24 at Pekin Community High School to further discuss the data center project, though no live stream or video recording is planned.
Council member Peg Phillips, while critical of AI and social media’s impact, has not yet committed to a "no" vote, stating she needs to "listen to both sides."
