Data center fears raised at ward meeting
Residents at a 2nd Ward meeting in Evanston, Illinois, voiced significant concerns regarding a proposed data center, citing potential environmental, economic, and social impacts, alongside high energy and water consumption. A zoning analysis application has been submitted for the facility, but Alderman Krissie Harris is awaiting more details before making a decision.
Evanston residents voiced strong opposition and concerns regarding a proposed data center at 1265 Hartrey Avenue during a 2nd Ward meeting. A zoning analysis application has been submitted to determine if a "computer processing center" is a permitted use for the existing building.
Alderman Krissie Harris stated she has not seen a formal proposal for the data center and would not form an opinion until she receives more information and discusses it with the property owner. Residents raised "extreme concerns" about the environmental, economic, and sociological impacts, as well as the disproportionate energy and water consumption of such facilities. Resident Michael Courier also distributed leaflets expressing opposition, linking data centers to artificial intelligence and its potential harm to workers.
Reed Beidler of Lark Management, representing the proposed facility, described it as a "rowboat" compared to larger data centers, stating it would be contained within the existing building envelope and supported by current utility infrastructure, employing four to eight full-time staff.