Elk Grove Village mayor defends data centers at packed community hearing
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson defended data centers at a community meeting, addressing resident concerns about water and electricity usage for AI facilities. While residents expressed worries and pushed for protections, Johnson highlighted the tax revenue and economic benefits. Other Illinois suburbs like Naperville and Joliet have recently seen data center proposals either rejected or approved amidst similar public debate.
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson addressed a packed community meeting, offering a strong defense of data centers amid rising resident concerns. Residents, reportedly influenced by "internet rumors" and social media, questioned the impact of new AI-focused facilities on water consumption and utility bills, referencing large-scale projects elsewhere like one proposed by Kevin O'Leary in Utah. Johnson asserted that Elk Grove Village, a long-time leader in data center construction with 20 existing facilities in its business park, did not have or plan any AI data centers of the scale feared by residents. He highlighted that existing data centers generated millions in tax revenue, supported construction jobs, and contributed to the village's economic vitality, while water usage had decreased overall despite their presence.
The discussion also touched on specific projects, including a Nexstar Media Group proposal for a data center complex at 720 Rohlwing Road, outside the main business park and near a residential area. This proposal is currently on hold due to ComEd's inability to supply sufficient power, according to Johnson. Residents requested contractual protections to ensure future data centers do not harm water supplies or create noise pollution.
The article noted that other Illinois communities are grappling with similar issues. The Naperville City Council recently rejected a data center proposal due to resident opposition concerning proximity to homes, health, and noise. Conversely, the Joliet City Council approved a large 24-building data center project by Hillwood Investment Properties despite protests, citing promised jobs and tax revenue. State-level discussions in Illinois include Governor JB Pritzker's proposal to suspend data center tax incentives for two years and the introduction of the POWER Act by state lawmakers to regulate water and power use, both awaiting legislative approval.