Avon Township’s Opposition to Grayslake T5 Data Center Reflects Growing Concerns

A Lake County municipality has formally expressed disapproval of the Grayslake T5 data center. Internal disagreements have highlighted increasing tension in Illinois regarding such developments.

Avon Township Meeting

The Avon Township meeting on Tuesday saw a larger turnout than usual, echoing other recent local government meetings where residents expressed concerns about the data center. Advocates are starting to build a grassroots opposition.

The township’s resolution is unlikely to directly affect the Grayslake project. Despite parts of the village being in Avon Township, the T5 data center is located in Fremont Township.

Legal and State Challenges

Chloe Russell, attorney for the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition, indicated a potential legal challenge against the Grayslake project. She is also assisting similar opposition groups in Yorkville and Joliet.

Governor J.B. Pritzker recently paused tax incentives for data centers, effective July. This decision followed the unsuccessful passage of several data center measures in the General Assembly.

State Senator Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, has proposed legislation to address rising concerns. She aims to increase local input on data center projects, protect residential areas with buffer zones, and address issues like water and noise pollution. Hills supports data centers in industrial zones but stresses residential protection.

Data Center Zoning

The T5 site has been zoned for light industrial use for a while, contributing to the quick project approval. It is located near the future Ivanhoe Village in Mundelein, a large development set to unfold over two decades.

“I’m not necessarily against innovation,” Hills stated, emphasizing the need to safeguard residential areas and address concerns about water and noise pollution.

County Moratorium

The County Board approved a moratorium on data center projects in unincorporated areas during Tuesday’s meeting. This pause will allow time for establishing regulations as more projects arise.

Board member Esiah Campos, district 16, expressed support for the moratorium. Campos stated the intention to create a “model framework” that could serve as a “blueprint for municipalities and villages regionally and beyond.”

Campos emphasized the importance of careful planning so other communities can adopt regulations that protect residents and set clear expectations for industry partners.

Avon Township’s Resolution Outcome

Despite these efforts, the Avon Township resolution is unlikely to impact the Grayslake data center. The resolution passed with four ayes, while Supervisor Michele Bauman abstained from voting due to concerns.

During the meeting, frustration arose over how the resolution was added to the agenda. Some board members felt they had no chance to share their input but ultimately supported the resolution.

Bauman voiced concerns about the resolution since the township lacks authority over the development. She proposed an alternative resolution focused on “transparency, public information, and community engagement.” This alternative might be reviewed at the board’s next meeting.

Bauman urged residents to continue expressing their concerns to officials in Grayslake, Fremont Township, and relevant governmental bodies. She maintained a neutral stance on the data center.

However, residents did not favor Bauman’s alternative, which excluded references to potential negative impacts. This led to heated discussions, with the board needing to moderate the debate several times.

Board members Lizbeth Henning and Rebecca Nieder noted they previously raised the data center issue. Henning emphasized the community’s concerns, stating, “It’s affecting the seniors and the people in my community, that’s concerning to me.”