Rochelle City Council Delays Vote on LFF Industrial Data Center Amid Community Concerns

The Rochelle City Council voted 4-3 to table a development agreement for a proposed data center by LFF Industrial, citing community concerns about job creation, environmental impact, and resource strain. The facility, if approved, would span nearly 200 acres and require significant electrical and water infrastructure improvements. The timeline for a future vote is uncertain, with residents seeking more community engagement.

Published Mar 25, 2026

The Rochelle City Council delayed a vote on a development agreement with LFF Industrial for a data center, voting 4-3 to table the proposal. Concerns were raised regarding job creation, environmental impact, and resource consumption.

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The facility would require 48MW of electricity and consume up to 50,000 gallons of water per day, with initial infrastructure costs estimated at over $6 million. Mayor John Bearrows expressed apprehension about the project's phases and resource strain on the city. The timeline for rescheduling the vote remains unclear, with community members seeking more support against the proposal.