Rochelle, Illinois – The Rochelle City Council voted 5‑2 on Monday to reject a second proposal from Midwest Power Investors to build a 360,000‑square‑foot data center along Steward Road near Interstate 88. The decision came after a public meeting on Nov. 9 where Mayor John Bearrows and several council members voiced the concerns of local residents.
Project details and financial projections
The developer’s agreement would have required Midwest Power Investors to fund electrical upgrades, water and sewer improvements, and traffic modifications needed for the facility. City documents indicated the project could generate roughly $1.3 million in revenue for Rochelle Municipal Utilities and about $400,000 annually for the city’s Utility Tax Fund, in addition to standard property tax receipts.
Council vote and community response
Council members Tom McDermott and Dan McDermott voted in favor of the data center, while the remaining members and Mayor Bearrows voted against it. “I was elected to this position by the people of my community, and they spoke out, and I was opposed to the data center in October. I’m opposed to it tonight because I feel we represent the people that elect us, and if we’re not willing to stand by them, why did we have a public meeting in October?” Mayor Bearrows said during the meeting.
The council’s rejection follows an earlier vote in April that also turned down a previous version of the agreement. Residents had expressed worries about increased traffic, potential strain on local utilities, and the overall impact on the character of the neighborhood surrounding Steward Road.
Implications for Rochelle’s economic development
While the data center promised new tax revenue and infrastructure investment, council members emphasized the importance of aligning development projects with community values and long‑term planning goals. The decision reflects a cautious approach to large‑scale commercial projects that could alter the city’s landscape without broad public support.
Mayor Bearrows and council members indicated they will continue to explore alternative economic development opportunities that better match the city’s growth strategy and address the concerns raised by residents.
Next steps
The council will return to its regular agenda of municipal matters, including ongoing discussions about road maintenance, public safety funding, and future development proposals that meet the city’s standards for community input and fiscal responsibility.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
