Pekin’s mayor announces data center project will not move forward

PEKIN (WMBD Radio and 25News Now) - A proposed data center project for the city of Pekin will not move forward, Mayor Mary Burress announced Monday evening.

Her decision was greeted by cheers and applause from residents attending the city council meeting.

“After careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision that the city of Pekin will not move forward with this project at this time,” Burress said.

Opponents had been filling the city council chambers in the past month to voice their concerns, ranging from environmental impacts to electricity costs to noise pollution.

“Your voices matter, and your passion for Pekin has been very clear,” Burress said.

City leaders favoring the project pointed to increased tax revenues and jobs, as well as increased housing demands.

A town hall meeting about the data center was scheduled for March 24 at Pekin High School, but it appears the meeting won’t be needed.

Burress continued reading from her statement, saying the city will focus on opportunities with the long-term interests of Pekin.

In saying the decision was difficult, Burress noted the project had the potential of investments, jobs, and long-term economic benefits for Pekin, and she had to consider the city’s future. But she added that required listening to those against the project and their concerns.

Burress also said she spoke with developers who intended to build the data center on a portion of 1,000 acres of city-owned land known as the Lutticken Property.

Burress said the data center debate brought the “good, and at times, worst, in our community.” She claimed that those against the project made accusations and statements against city staff that were not true, and defended city staff.

“Disagreements and debates are part of a healthy community, but it is important that we treat each other with fairness and respect,” Burress said.

She closed her statement by saying that aspects of the proposal brought opportunity, but it was not the right project at this time for Pekin.

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