Aldermen adopt revised school/campus definition and setback language in data‑center bill

The board adopted Amendment 7 to Board Bill 49 to clarify the definition of 'school' and to remove or refine the institutional‑campus language that had raised concerns among some members and residents. The planning commission recommended replacing the prior language with wording defining a school as a "school building containing classrooms, workspaces, residential facilities, or similar uses." Sponsors said that change preserves setback protections for schools and campus‑type facilities while addressing ambiguous definitions.

Alderwoman from the 8th said the planning commission's modifications addressed her primary concerns about how schools are defined in relation to potential data‑center siting. The sponsor described the amendment as a compromise reached with planning staff and commissioners and asked colleagues to support the clarity provided by the new language.