Morris Rod & Gun Club concerned over pollution, noise that could come with data center next door
Members of the Morris Rod & Gun Club are expressing significant concerns about a proposed data center by Tract, fearing potential noise, light pollution, and water contamination that could harm local wildlife and their club's activities. Club members have communicated their opposition to the City Council, with a virtual town hall scheduled to provide more details about the data center plans.
Members of the Morris Rod & Gun Club are expressing profound concerns regarding a proposed data center by developer Tract, slated for construction near their 120-acre property on U.S. Route 6 at Gun Club Road. The club, which has been active since 1950 and is a private outdoorsman organization, fears that the data center will introduce significant noise and light pollution, disrupt local wildlife, and potentially contaminate their lakes.
Cathy Mahnke, a lifelong member whose father has served on the board for over 75 years, highlighted that the data center property directly abuts the club's back lakes, which are crucial for fishing, boating, and a planned shooting range. Mahnke stated that the club feels unheard by officials and, despite her efforts to contact the City Council, the board believes it lacks the financial resources to legally oppose the project.
Ami Frick, a Grayslake resident who spoke to the Morris City Council, echoed Mahnke's sentiments, citing a Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin data center as an example of potential noise and light issues. Concerns also extend to water quality, with Mahnke worrying about wastewater from the facility impacting the club's fish-filled lakes, although city officials expect the data center's wastewater to use the municipal system.
The Grundy County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Morris, and Tract are scheduled to host a virtual town hall to present and explain the data center plans, offering a platform for residents to seek answers to their unaddressed concerns.