Data center could potentially be built on Hawthorne Race Course site, leaving residents concerned
Residents in Cicero are concerned about a potential data center development on the 119-acre Hawthorne Race Course site. The property was recently sold to a Delaware-based company, ALUM ACT 2023 LLC, for $90 million. The Cicero Town Trustees have already passed a resolution opposing the development of a data center on the site.
The former Hawthorne Race Course, a 119-acre property, has been sold to a Delaware-based company, ALUM ACT 2023 LLC, for $90 million following bankruptcy proceedings. While the new owner has not publicly disclosed plans for the land, speculation has emerged about the potential development of a data center on the site.
In response to these concerns, the Cicero Town Trustees recently passed a resolution opposing the construction of a data center. Residents in the adjacent Cicero neighborhood, who have lived there for decades, expressed worries about potential noise and the impact on their community, questioning if they would have to relocate if such a project proceeded.
The Hawthorne Race Course, which was the last operating horse racing track in the Chicagoland area, held its final races on July 19th. Previous owners had hoped to revitalize the business with a casino project, but failed to secure funding. The new buyer requires the property to be cleared of its 450 horses and 500 workers by the end of the month, leaving neighbors anxious and awaiting clarity on the future of the site.