South Elgin becomes latest Chicagoland village to reject a data center development
The South Elgin Village Board unanimously rejected White Rose Partners' concept plan and a special use permit for a 200,000-square-foot data center. This decision reflects growing public opposition to data center developments in the Chicagoland area, with the developer's attorney considering a lawsuit. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have also taken steps to address data center proliferation and tax incentives.
The South Elgin Village Board has unanimously rejected a data center concept plan and a special use permit for a 20-acre site from White Rose Partners, making it the latest Chicagoland village to deny such a development. The 200,000-square-foot facility was proposed at the intersection of Kenyon Road and Route 25. The village also approved a resolution to deny annexation of the land for the data center, citing public opinion as a significant factor in the decision.
Richard Williams, a Geneva attorney representing Dallas-based White Rose Partners, stated that the company is evaluating its options, including a potential lawsuit against the village, asserting that the plan was not evaluated on its merits. This local rejection comes amidst broader controversy in Illinois, where data center proposals are facing increasing opposition due to environmental concerns.
Illinois' political landscape is also seeing shifts regarding data centers. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has called for a moratorium on new data center developments within city limits, while Governor JB Pritzker, who previously signed data center tax incentives into law in 2019, is now seeking a two-year moratorium on these tax credits.