Landowners Sue Sangamon County Over CyrusOne Data Center Approval

A group of landowners, including farmers and a kennel owner from Waverly and Virden, filed a lawsuit to overturn the Sangamon County Board's April 7 approval of a large-scale data center. The proposed project by CyrusOne, operating via C1 Sangamon I LLC, would establish a 280-acre facility in Talkington Township featuring four buildings and 420 diesel backup generators.

Plaintiffs allege the county violated its own ordinances by granting a conditional use permit rather than requiring a formal rezoning from agricultural to industrial use. They argue that a formal rezoning would have demanded a supermajority vote, which the project may not have achieved given the board's 17-10 vote. The lawsuit further claims the project violates noise standards and that the company submitted an incomplete petition lacking necessary utility service confirmations.

Sangamon County Administrator Brian McFadden stated the county is confident it followed proper procedures during the approval process. CyrusOne has maintained its commitment to the investment, citing the project's potential to create hundreds of local jobs and its intention to be a long-term partner for the community.