Local Government Opposition to Grayslake T5 Data Center

A Lake County town recently expressed its opposition to the Grayslake T5 data center, highlighting growing concerns across Illinois over such developments. Avon Township’s meeting on Tuesday drew significant attendance as residents voiced their issues. This event mirrors other local government meetings where citizen concerns form the basis of grassroots opposition.

The township’s resolution will not affect the Grayslake project since its location is in Fremont Township, despite being largely within Avon Township. Attorney Chloe Russell, representing the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition, indicated that a legal challenge against the Grayslake project is likely. Russell also collaborates with groups in Yorkville and Joliet on similar data center issues.

On a state level, Governor J.B. Pritzker has paused tax incentives for data centers from July. This decision comes after unsuccessful data center legislation in the General Assembly. State Senator Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, has introduced a bill to involve more local input in data center projects, ensuring residential area protection with buffer zones and addressing concerns about water and noise issues. Hills supports data centers in industrial zones, but focuses on residential safety.

The T5 site, already zoned for light industry, was swiftly approved. It is near the future Ivanhoe Village in Mundelein, an extensive housing and commercial project expected to span two decades.

“I’m not necessarily against innovation,” Hills noted. “We must safeguard residential areas from concerns like water and noise pollution.” On Tuesday, the County Board upheld a moratorium on data center projects in unincorporated areas to establish specific guidelines. Board member Esiah Campos suggested this move could set a precedent for future regulatory frameworks.

The Avon Township resolution, despite its approval with four ayes and one abstention, will not influence the Grayslake data center. The township meeting stirred debate, but passed the resolution against the project. However, Township Supervisor Michele Bauman abstained, suggesting Avon has no authority over the development and arguing that the resolution exceeded their jurisdiction. She proposed an alternative resolution focused on transparency and community involvement, advocating for continued resident engagement with appropriate government bodies.

Board members Lizbeth Henning and Rebecca Nieder highlighted the residents’ concerns, arguing their duty to represent the community. “It’s affecting the seniors and the people in my community, that’s concerning to me,” Henning expressed.