Good morning everyone!  Here are some updates that were shared with us this past week following the most recent Assessments and Planning & Zoning meeting Tuesday, May 12th (10am).  If you did not see it in our last update, there was an item on the agenda that was notable: “Data Center Ordinance Draft Update”.  Over the course of the next month, Mark Miller will be tasked with drafting this ordinance.  From what was shared, this draft will be pulled from other counties.  If this is meant to be a serious discourse, how on earth is it reasonable or remotely fair to task Mr. Miller with drawing up some sort of Franken-ordinance without access to studies centered on the very real impacts a data center will have on our community specifically.  

Here are the facts:

• No 3-Dimensional ground water topography model has been generated/commissioned.  
• No data regarding the impact on property values has been shared by board members/prospective data center developer as it relates to our river valley.
  
• No data regarding the increase in cost of living for those on fixed incomes has been shared/considered by board members/prospective data center developer (no local program/funding has been proposed to ensure security for aging and vulnerable community members).
• No data regarding the increase in cost of living (namely water and energy costs) for families has been shared/considered by board members/prospective data center developer.
• No information regarding the long-term health implication sonic issues a data center will have on the 500 families within in its direct radius has been made available (no study has been performed).  
• No contact has been made with our fire department regarding resources (or for their personal safety and health) to combat a possible lithium battery fire or security event.
  
  
  We cannot say that we are surprised, but it surely is disappointing.  Please mark your calendars for the following meetings: 
  May 19th, 2026 @ 5:30pm (Ogle County Courthouse/“Big Red") - Full Board Meeting
  May 21st, 2026 @ 6:00pm (Ogle County Courthouse) - Regional Planning Commission
  May 28th, 2026 @ 6:00pm (Ogle County Courthouse) - Zoning Board of Appeals
  
  We realize that this is a lot to commit to with respect to your time and energy.  Do not lose heart!  Mark your calendars.  Make arrangements in advance with neighbors and friends.  
  
  This fight is for our children, our land, our water, and our futures.  See you next week!