Developer seeks data center review despite South Elgin board opposition
White Rose Partners is proceeding with plans to build a 200,000-square-foot data center in South Elgin, Illinois, despite initial opposition from village board members and residents. The developer launched a website to provide transparent information ahead of upcoming hearings, where they seek a fair review of their proposal, which involves annexing and rezoning the property.
White Rose Partners is pressing forward with plans for a 200,000-square-foot data center in South Elgin, Illinois, even after village board members expressed preliminary opposition. The developer announced Wednesday the launch of southelgin-projectkilo.com, a website designed to offer transparent information about the proposed facility, including its economic benefits, infrastructure demands, and environmental considerations.
Jeff Eigenbrood, managing partner with White Rose Partners, emphasized that the company has not yet had the opportunity to present its proposal formally to the village's Planning and Zoning Commission or the village board. He urged against premature conclusions and requested a fair hearing on the merits of the project, noting that the site's industrial land use designation aligns with the village's 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The 20-acre unincorporated property at Kenyon Road and Route 25 is owned by Kenyon Brothers Co. and is slated for annexation into South Elgin, requiring rezoning from agricultural to industrial use.
Opposition to the project is growing, with an online petition garnering over 7,660 signatures. Residents voice concerns about the data center's proximity to residential areas, potential noise, environmental impact, and its significant electricity and water demands. Village trustees, after an informal straw poll, indicated a majority were not in favor of the project, with Trustee Mike Kolodziej explicitly stating his opposition. However, the village attorney advised trustees that they have a legal obligation to hear out the developer's request. The initial Planning and Zoning Commission hearing was postponed from July and is tentatively rescheduled for August 19. White Rose Partners anticipates the data center will generate millions in annual tax revenue for the village, Kane County, and the U-46 School District, in addition to creating jobs.