Lake County Opposition Grows Against Grayslake Data Center

A Lake County town has formally opposed the Grayslake T5 data center, amid growing tension across Illinois. This mirrors the wider debates seen in different forms of government throughout the state. Tuesday’s Avon Township meeting was notably full, with many locals and advocates voicing concerns and starting a movement against the data center.

Despite Avon Township’s disapproval, the decision impacts little since the project sits in Fremont Township, not Avon. The Grayslake project may soon face legal challenges according to Chloe Russell, attorney for the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition. She is also involved with similar opposition efforts against data center projects in Yorkville and Joliet.

On a state level, Governor J.B. Pritzker has paused tax incentives for data centers starting in July, after related measures failed in the General Assembly. State Senator Darby Hills has proposed legislation to require more local input on such projects, emphasizing the need for buffer zones and addressing concerns around water and noise. While not against data centers in industrial areas, she stresses the importance of protecting residential zones.

The T5 site is designated as light industrial, contributing to the quick approval of the project. It is located near the future Ivanhoe Village in Mundelein, a planned 800-acre housing and commercial project.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the County Board also approved a moratorium on data center projects in unincorporated areas. This aims to allow time for developing regulations as more projects appear nationwide. Board member Esiah Campos advocates for creating a “model framework” for residents’ protection and industry clarity.

“If we take the time to do this correctly, other communities will be able to adopt proven regulations that protect residents while providing clear expectations for industry partners,” Campos stated.

Despite these moves, including Avon Township’s resolution, little change for the Grayslake data center is expected. The resolution passed with four votes and one abstention. Supervisor Michele Bauman abstained due to concerns over the township’s lack of authority over the development. She proposed an alternative resolution promoting transparency and engagement for future approval.

Bauman encourages residents to continue sharing concerns with authoritative bodies involved in the development. She emphasized neutrality on the data center issue. Residents, however, did not support her alternate proposal, which omitted negative impacts of the center.

Members Lizbeth Henning and Rebecca Nieder expressed that the community’s worries had been previously brought to the board. Henning highlighted the impact on local seniors, stressing, “It’s affecting the seniors and the people in my community.”