Yorkville PZC Unanimously Rejects Rezoning for Proposed 130-Acre Data Center
The Yorkville Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously rejected a rezoning proposal at its January 14, 2026, meeting, issuing a negative recommendation for PZC 2025-13. The request, submitted by Matt Gilbert on behalf of Yorkville Nexus V LLC, would rezone approximately 130 acres currently designated as R-4 General Multi-Family Residence District. Under the proposal, 91 acres would shift to M-2 General Manufacturing District for a planned data center, while the remaining 37 acres would become A-1 Agricultural District. Residents packed the Yorkville Council Chambers to voice their opposition to the rezoning plan during a standing-room-only public hearing.
Photo: Updated Preliminary Site Layout - November 25, 2025, https://www.yorkville.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/12296
The commission's rejection signals caution toward Yorkville's expanding industrial footprint. The proposed data center reflects a broader development trend in the city that has drawn scrutiny for potential impacts on local resources and for its compatibility with nearby residential and agricultural areas. As an advisory body, the PZC will forward its negative recommendation to the Yorkville City Council, which holds final authority on the rezoning request. The unfavorable recommendation means the City Council will require a supermajority vote for approval.
City staff, however, supports the rezoning request. According to city documents, staff cited land-use restrictions in the draft ordinance that would apply if the data center is not built, as well as the agricultural rezoning of the eastern parcel to buffer the nearby Caledonia subdivision. Staff also noted the project aligns with current growth and annexation patterns in the area.
The City Council is tentatively scheduled to vote on the rezoning request on February 10, 2026.
