Petition against South Elgin data center: 4,800 signatures in less than 48 hours
A proposal for a data center in unincorporated South Elgin, Illinois, by Whiterose Partners LLC has generated significant local opposition, with a petition collecting over 6,100 signatures. Residents are concerned about noise, water usage, and electricity demands. A Planning and Zoning hearing is scheduled for August 19 to discuss the project, which would require annexation and a zoning change.
Whiterose Partners LLC, a Dallas-based firm, has proposed building a data center on 20 acres in unincorporated South Elgin, Illinois. The company is seeking annexation of the land, located at 33W304 Kenyon Road and Illinois State Route 25, and a zoning change to industrial use.
The proposal has met with strong community opposition. Anthony Saccomanno, president of the nearby Prairie Pointe subdivision, has organized an electronic petition against the data center, which has garnered over 6,100 signatures. Opponents cite concerns about excessive noise from 40 chillers and 20 emergency generators, high water consumption potentially affecting a community well, and significant electricity demands.
While Whiterose Managing Partner Jeff Eigenbrood stated the company would use a closed-loop cooling system requiring a one-time fill of 350,000 gallons and daily use of 247-342 gallons, Saccomanno argues this daily usage is comparable to a single-family home. The developer has requested 48 megawatts of power from Commonwealth Edison, which has indicated the Bartlett substation has sufficient capacity. The project's proximity to South Elgin High School, Kenyon Woods Middle School, and Clinton Elementary School is an additional concern.
A Planning and Zoning Commission hearing is set for August 19 to provide preliminary feedback on the data center concept plan. If the project proceeds, it will require annexation, a zoning change, a special use permit, and text amendments for various site features.