Community Lawsuit Filed Against Grayslake Data Center Project Amid Public Backlash

Opposition to a proposed data center in Grayslake has intensified. Residents have filed a lawsuit against several parties involved in the development.

The lawsuit targets the village of Grayslake, developer T5 Data Centers, and landowner Alter Asset Management Company. Residents aim to invalidate previous approvals and agreements related to the project.

Background

The Alter Group sold the land to T5 in 2024. Michael Alter, head of the real estate agency, also owns the Chicago Sky women’s basketball team. The legal action was announced during a Lake County Illinois Data Center Opposition Coalition event, met with cheers from attendees.

The suit was filed on behalf of those living in Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, Mundelein, and Round Lake Park. It seeks to nullify approvals from 2024-2025 and halt further development agreements.

Coalition’s Perspective

Michael Smith, co-founder of the opposition coalition, expressed confidence in the case brought to court. The coalition aims to prevent the development. Smith believes the court will favor their requests.

Attorney Chloe Russell revealed connections to similar opposition cases in Joliet and Yorkville. A settlement was reached in the Yorkville case last month.

Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies noted the village had not yet been served with the lawsuit.

Developer’s Response

T5 CEO Pete Marin stated the company would address the lawsuit via legal channels. Marin is confident the project’s planning followed all laws and regulations. The project promises benefits including technology advancements and substantial tax revenue for Grayslake and Lake County.

Marin emphasized community collaboration, citing the withdrawal of an application to fill wetlands as proof of responsiveness to concerns.

Community Concerns

The coalition event addressed potential health and environmental risks of the data center, such as air pollution from diesel generators, soil and water contamination threats, and noise pollution.

Speakers accused Grayslake of advancing the project without sufficient public notification. Legal accusations include misleading residents about the development’s nature.

Survey data from a public relations firm reflects concerns from Grayslake residents. Marin explained the survey aimed to gather community opinions for better responsiveness.

“We felt it was important for the public to get the truth around the concerns and impacts,” Smith said.

Environmental Oversight

Data center opponents remain wary despite T5’s withdrawal from wetland remediation applications. Residents fear environmental threats from the development persist.

The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission meeting covered technical aspects with SMC chief engineer Brian Frank presenting. He noted potential review and approval steps if development affects isolated wetlands.

The withdrawal of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers application closes direct SMC involvement pending future development plans.