Lake County Tensions Rise Over Grayslake Data Center

A municipality in Lake County has openly opposed the Grayslake T5 data center, reflecting tensions growing across Illinois over similar developments. Avon Township’s packed meeting on Tuesday highlighted residents’ and advocates’ opposition to the data center, marking the start of a grassroots movement. Although most of the village lies in Avon Township, the T5 center is located in Fremont Township. The township’s resolution is unlikely to impact the project directly.

Legal and Legislative Responses

The Grayslake project may soon face legal challenges, according to Chloe Russell, attorney for the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition. Russell is also working with similar groups in Yorkville and Joliet. On the state level, Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued an executive order pausing tax incentives for data centers, beginning in July. This decision follows the failure of data center-related measures in the General Assembly. State Senator Darby Hills has proposed legislation to require more local input, buffer zones for residential areas, and address concerns about water and noise pollution. While not against data centers in industrial zones, Hills highlights the protection of residential areas. The T5 site is zoned light industrial, which expedited its approval. It sits near the Ivanhoe Village in Mundelein, an 800-acre housing and commercial development.

County and Township Actions

The County Board also approved a moratorium on data center projects in unincorporated areas, aiming to develop specific regulations. Esiah Campos, a board member, emphasized creating a framework to protect residents and set clear expectations. Despite these moves, they are not expected to impact the Grayslake data center.

Internal Dissension in Avon Township

In Avon Township, a resolution opposing the project passed with four votes for and one abstention. Supervisor Michele Bauman raised concerns about the township’s authority to oppose the development, suggesting an alternate resolution focused on transparency and public engagement. While some board members, like Lizbeth Henning and Rebecca Nieder, argued the community’s concerns warranted the resolution, Bauman’s neutrality and alternate resolution were less popular. The disagreement led to a lively debate among residents at the meeting.