Alton City Council Meeting: Data Center Concerns, City Business and Public Comment

At the November 12, 2026, Alton City Council meeting, residents spoke at length about the proposed Terawatt data center, raising concerns about noise, energy and water use, environmental effects, public transparency and the project’s potential impact on the community. Other speakers urged the city to consider alternative uses for the former steel mill site, asked about conditions at 845 Danforth Street, and called for progress in negotiations with Teamsters Local 525. Council discussion included a proposal to introduce a temporary data-center moratorium; it was referred to the Committee of the Whole, not adopted at this meeting.

The council approved funding agreements and appropriations for the Pebble Creek Drive bridge superstructure replacement, approved the annual tax levy and a related bond-tax abatement, and approved an application for a tourism grant to help fund additional fencing at Riverfront Park’s amphitheater. Members also approved appointments of Kelly King as Human Resources Director and Andi Campbell as Director of Planning and Development, and approved the annexation of property along Bingfield Drive. The meeting opened with proclamations recognizing Elijah Parish Lovejoy Day and Veterans Day in Alton.