A Lake County community has officially opposed the proposed Grayslake T5 data center project. This decision did not come easily, highlighting growing tensions in Illinois regarding such developments. Avon Township hosted a more crowded meeting than usual, where both residents and advocates voiced their concerns.

Avon Township Resolution

The resolution from Avon Township likely won’t directly influence the Grayslake project, despite large parts of the village being within Avon Township’s range. Notably, the T5 data center is located in Fremont Township, outside Avon Township’s jurisdiction.

The Grayslake project might soon face legal challenges. Chloe Russell, attorney for the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition, addresses similar issues in Yorkville and Joliet.

State-Level Actions

At the state level, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an executive order pausing data center tax incentives. This pause follows unsuccessful data center-related legislative measures. State Senator Darby Hills has proposed laws to include more local input, buffer residential areas, and address water and noise concerns. Hills clarified that her concerns lie with protecting residential areas, not opposing data centers altogether.

The T5 site, zoned for light industrial use, facilitated its quick project approval. It lies near Ivanhoe Village’s future site, a large-scale housing and commercial development spanning 800 acres.

County Board Moratorium

The County Board approved a temporary halt on data center initiatives in unincorporated locations. This gives the county time to establish regulations for future projects. Board member Esiah Campos supports this moratorium, suggesting the county’s regulations serve as a framework for other communities.

“Instituting effective regulations will protect residents and provide clear expectations for industry partners,” Campos stated.

Avon Township Meeting

At Avon Township, the resolution passed with four votes in favor, with Supervisor Michele Bauman abstaining. She expressed concerns about the township’s authority over the data center and introduced a more neutral resolution for future consideration.

Bauman encouraged residents to continue voicing their concerns to authorities with jurisdiction over the project. However, residents at the meeting were resistant to Bauman’s alternative resolution, favoring a more active stance.

Board members Lizbeth Henning and Rebecca Nieder reiterated that the data center affects their community, especially seniors. Henning emphasized the board’s role in representing the community’s concerns.