Joliet approves controversial data center proposal

Name: Joliet approves controversial data center proposal
Uploaded: 2026-03-20T03:25:16.000Z
Duration: 2 min 33 s
Description: The Joliet City Council approved a controversial 800-acre data center project, despite significant public opposition citing concerns over electricity, water, noise, and traffic. Supporters, including the mayor, championed the development for its projected union jobs and substantial tax revenue. The project was approved with an eight-to-one vote.

News Clip2:33NBC Chicago·Joliet, Will County, IL·3/20/2026

The Joliet City Council approved a controversial 800-acre data center project, despite significant public opposition citing concerns over electricity, water, noise, and traffic. Supporters, including the mayor, championed the development for its projected union jobs and substantial tax revenue. The project was approved with an eight-to-one vote.

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Gov: Joliet City Council, Mayor Darcy

The Joliet City Council has approved a controversial data center project spanning 800 acres near the Chicagoland Speedway, following months of debate and a marathon public comment session. The council voted 8-1 in favor of the proposal, with Mayor Darcy and supporters emphasizing the creation of thousands of union jobs, 700 permanent positions, and an estimated $2 billion in tax revenue for the Joliet Township High School system over the next 30 years.

Opponents, however, expressed significant concerns regarding the data center's potential impact on electricity prices, water use, noise, and traffic. Residents voiced fears about property devaluation, with one council member casting the lone dissenting vote due to "risk, uncertainty and too many unanswered questions." Texas-based developer Hillwood, which is behind the project, stated its commitment to being a good neighbor and delivering economic benefits, though no tech companies have yet signed on.

The approval comes amidst a broader trend in the western Chicago suburbs, where municipalities are grappling with balancing economic development from AI data centers with community concerns. Other nearby cities, such as Lisle and Naperville, have recently rejected data center bids, while Yorkville in Kendall County is planning an even larger 1,000-plus acre facility.