During Yesterday’s Monsoon…A Data Center Draft Ordinance Was “Presented"

Good morning everyone - it is another soggy affair today.  We hope that all of you were able to remain safe and relatively dry during the deluge of yesterday’s storms.  

Unfortunately, we don’t have good news to report.  Yesterday, in the midst of the torrential downpour, the Assessments, Planning, and Zoning committee mumbled through what was referred to as a “draft” for a data center ordinance (not for distribution with the public).

With all but five residents in attendance, Chairman Nordman used her judgment that public comment would, once again, be kneecapped at three minutes.  All that I can say is the level of understanding of what a data center, in terms of structure and contents, was gobsmacking.  

With years following the industrial rezoning of the 524-acre parcel, the level of willful ignorance displayed by a vocal minority of this board is utterly shocking.  To be sure, the only bit of good news to be shared is the remarkable display by the young Ryan Reeverts, as well as the commentary and questions put forth by Lyle Hopkins and Rick Fritz.  

It is very clear that Chairman Nordman has taken her stand and it is alongside Ben Youman, who as it was shared by Mark Miller, *only* contributed to  "early (first, second, and third)" drafts of the data center ordinance.

In approaching Nordman following the conclusion of the APZ meeting, Youman (unawares) shared that he had excused himself from the meeting not out of an ethical concern but for the sake of “perception”.  

Friends, the conflicts of interest, the lack of care,  the abuse of position, and the placement of the burden onto the constituents (in terms of investing their time and energy in researching the impacts of data centers while given nothing of substance from the OCB) is nothing short of an embarrassment.  

Here is the link to yesterday’s meeting: APZ Data Center Draft Ordinance Discussion (August 11th, 2026)
(Apologies for some colorful commentary.)

The full Ogle County Board meeting is next Tuesday, August 18th at 5:30pm.  Please attend.  Please continue to engage and carpool if you can.