NILES — With talks of a potential data center drawing ire from residents at a recent city council meeting, city officials announced their stance moving forward.

According to a news release from the mayor’s office this week, officials plan to take no further action regarding an annexation request from Whitetail Creek LLC, a subsidiary for Bitdeer Technologies Group, a Singapore-based company focusing on cryptocurrency and AI cloud infrastructure.

The property where Bitdeer aims to build a facility is at 1047 Belmont Ave., which was purchased in May 2025.

“Whitetail Creek LLC (Bitdeer) has not submitted to the city of Niles a formal petition to annex, zoning and building permit plans, or a utility use application,” the release states. “The city of Niles will continue with a moratorium, pausing any future data center permitting while specific data center zoning is explored.”

A public hearing regarding the moratorium is still set at 5 p.m. May 20, before the month’s second meeting.

The release states the decision follows “careful consideration” and reflects the concerns and feedback from Niles residents and neighboring communities. The city’s April 15 meeting featured 90 minutes of public comments, as many took to the podium to speak out against the potential data center.

“City officials have engaged in discussions and reviewed input from the public, ultimately determining that moving forward with the annexation request is not in the best interest of the community at this time,” the release states. “The city of Niles remains committed to responsible growth and development while prioritizing the voices, safety, and quality of life of its residents.”

Because a majority of the property owned by Whitetail Creek LLC remains in Weathersfield, the release directs concerns over zoning and land use within township limits to Weathersfield officials.

WEATHERSFIELD

Weathersfield Township Administrator David Rouan said township trustees released a public statement this week for the residents of the community regarding the proposed data center and annexation at 1047 Belmont Ave.

Trustees said they are aware of recent discussions, media coverage and public concern surrounding a proposed data center associated with the property. Trustees said they want to provide residents with clear, factual information and outline the township’s position moving forward.

Rouan said the subject property consists of four parcels. One parcel lies within Niles, while the remaining three parcels are located within Weathersfield. He said those three parcels are zoned Industrial B, and under township zoning regulations, data centers are neither a permitted use nor a conditionally permitted use within that district.

“For such a project to proceed within Weathersfield Township, the developer would be required to apply for a use variance, which would trigger a formal public hearing before the Weathersfield Township Board of Zoning Appeals. That board, comprised of five appointed members of our community, would evaluate the request based on established legal standards and public input before making any determination,” the statement reads.

Officials said to date, no applications, plans, or formal proposals have been submitted to Weathersfield by the developer, Whitetail Creek LLC (also known as Bitdeer).

Trustees said the only direct communication occurred recently when representatives were in the area for a public meeting in Niles. At that time, township officials were informed that the company had initiated a petition to annex the three parcels from Weathersfield into Niles.

Officials said if annexation is approved, jurisdiction over zoning and development decisions would shift entirely to Niles.

“Given this situation, the board of trustees wants to be unequivocally clear, Weathersfield Township will strongly advocate for and protect the interests of our residents at every stage of this process. While annexation proceedings are governed by state law, the township is actively engaged and will pursue all available measures to ensure that any potential development does not negatively impact our community. This includes working collaboratively with the city of Niles to negotiate a comprehensive pre-annexation agreement that establishes enforceable protections related to issues such as land use compatibility, infrastructure impacts, environmental considerations, public safety and quality of life,” the statement from trustees states.

Trustees said, “We understand that large-scale data center developments raise legitimate concerns, including but not limited to noise, energy demand, water usage, traffic and long-term community impacts. These concerns are valid, and they will not be overlooked.”

Trustees said they remain committed to transparency and will continue to keep residents informed as more information becomes available and encourage residents to stay engaged, ask questions and participate in the public process.

“Be assured that your township leadership will do everything within its authority to protect our residents, preserve our community character, and ensure that your voices are heard,” they said in the statement.