Over the past several weeks, I’ve heard from a large number of residents regarding the proposed data centers in the Yorkville area – and the message has been clear.
The majority of residents don’t want them, with quality of life a primary concern.
I also took the step of running a public poll to better understand the community’s pulse. The results weren’t close. Opposition overwhelmingly outweighs support, both from the general public and targeted voters.
As a result, I oppose moving forward with these data centers as presented. The will of the residents in the Yorkville community is clear. There is strong, widespread opposition to these data centers. And given the size, scope, and long-term unknowns surrounding these developments – from environmental strains to infrastructure demands to quality-of-life concerns – residents are cautious.
It’s why I am urging local officials to follow the community’s clear direction and decline these data centers as presented. The level of opposition is too significant to ignore. Any consideration moving forward should follow a transparent process, up to and including placing the question on the ballot, so the residents make the final call.
—Office of State representative Jed Davis