Digital Realty faces opposition to proposed data center at Hawthorne Race Course in Illinois

Digital Realty Trust, identified as the nation's largest data center operator, is reportedly acquiring the 108-acre Hawthorne Race Course property in Cicero and Stickney, Illinois, for $90 million. The purchase, part of Hawthorne's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, is expected to finalize early next month. The plan to convert the historic horse track into a data center has ignited significant local opposition.

Stickney Mayor Mitch Milenkovic has expressed "unequivocal opposition," vowing to vote against any data center project for the site if it comes before the board of trustees. He cited concerns about data centers straining residents' utility bills and creating noise nuisances "without proper regulations and restrictions." Earlier this month, the Village of Stickney board approved a moratorium on all zoning relief, licensing, development, and permit approvals for data centers within the municipality.

State-level officials are also addressing data center concerns. Illinois Senator Ram Villivalam and Representative Robyn Gabel co-sponsored the "POWER Act" bill, designed to regulate data center development and power usage across the state, particularly in response to rising electricity costs blamed on energy-intensive facilities. Although the initial bill failed to pass in the spring session, Rep. Gabel stated it was a "starting point," and a collaborative group involving the House, Senate, and Governor's office is working on a revised version, aiming for readiness by November or early next year.