Opponents of a data center development in Grayslake have taken legal action against the village, project developer T5 Data Centers, and landowner Alter Asset Management Company. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate previous approvals and agreements amid growing community backlash. The land was sold by the Alter Group to T5 in 2024. Michael Alter, head of the Alter Group, also owns the Chicago Sky basketball team.
The lawsuit’s announcement was made during an event hosted by the Lake County Illinois Data Center Opposition Coalition, established specifically to contest the Grayslake project. Attendees celebrated the news with enthusiasm. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the Preservation of Community Well-being Collective, includes residents from Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, Mundelein, and Round Lake Park. It requests court action to declare the 2024-2025 approvals invalid, vacate those approvals, void the development agreements, and prohibit further permits for T5.
Michael Smith, co-founder of the opposition coalition, expressed confidence in their case, stating, “We feel like we have a strong case to present to the court.” Attorney Chloe Russell, representing Lake County residents, is also involved in similar cases in Joliet and Yorkville. A recent settlement was reached in Yorkville.
Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies noted the village had not yet received the lawsuit. T5’s CEO Pete Marin stated the company will address the lawsuit legally, maintaining confidence in their compliance with regulations. Marin stated the project aims to deliver substantial benefits to Grayslake Village and Lake County, including new taxes and fees.
Community Concerns and Actions
An educational forum coordinated by the opposition coalition featured advocates discussing health and environmental concerns related to data centers. Topics included air pollution from diesel generators, potential soil and water contamination risks, and noise and light pollution. Some community members accused Grayslake of proceeding without adequate public engagement and hiding the project’s details during initial approvals.
The event also attracted attendees planning to run for local office, highlighting possible political consequences. Reports indicate public relations surveys are gauging residents’ opinions on the development. T5’s withdrawal from a wetlands application has further stirred debate, with some framing it as diversionary. However, Marin emphasized that the withdrawal demonstrated responsiveness to community concerns.
At a Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) meeting, the development’s environmental aspects were discussed. Brian Frank, SMC chief engineer, explained that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed T5’s application due to inactivity. If development impacts isolated wetlands, SMC would review it, although the process is not currently active.