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Loami board imposes moratorium on data centers after resident raises aquifer concerns
Summary
The Village of Loami unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-02 imposing a moratorium on data centers within village limits and its extraterritorial jurisdiction after resident Gary Schulze warned a proposed project near Lowder could threaten aquifers; the vote was 6-0.
The Village of Loami Board of Trustees voted unanimously March 12 to impose a moratorium on data centers within the village limits and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Trustee Billy Cohen moved to adopt Resolution 2026-02; Trustee Todd Lawson seconded and the motion passed on a 6-0 roll-call vote. The moratorium was described in the resolution as a temporary pause on data-center development to allow the village to review zoning and environmental impacts.
The action followed a public comment from Gary Schulze, who said the proposed development southwest of Lowder "would include four buildings totaling approximately 450,000 square feet" and expressed concern it "could negatively impact aquifers." Schulze urged Loami residents to attend the Sangamon County Board meeting on March 23 and to contact representatives by email.
Village officials did not record a staff presentation on hydrogeology at the March 12 meeting; the moratorium will allow staff and trustees additional time to gather information and consider any zoning or regulatory steps. The resolution passed with Trustees Branson, Cohen, Lawson, Mann, Schmideler and Stark voting Aye.
Next steps listed by trustees at the meeting included monitoring county-level proceedings and any developer filings; the board did not set a specific moratorium duration during the session.
