Grayslake residents raise concerns over data center development

Residents of Grayslake, Illinois, are increasingly challenging a large 135-acre data center project in the "central range" zone, expressing concerns about its impact on lifestyles, rapid development, and strain on local resources. Homeowners have attended Village Board sessions to question the burden the data center campus may place on the community, particularly its high energy demands and significant water usage for cooling. While supporters argue data centers are essential for technological progress and AI development, opponents in Grayslake fear the environmental and civic costs. Grayslake officials anticipate the project, which could include up to 20 buildings, will generate $300 million in property tax revenue for Avon Township taxing districts over two decades, balancing concerns against economic benefits. The debate in Grayslake mirrors a broader regional discussion. The Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, along with 26 other public interest groups, recently called for a moratorium on new data center development in Indiana. This is to allow local governments time to adopt new policies, investigate zoning codes, and gather community input, noting that 13 Indiana counties have already enacted such moratoriums. Public polls, such as one by the Pew Research Center, indicate widespread public concern over rising electricity rates and water use associated with data centers. The Grayslake facility alone is projected to require 1.2 million gigawatts of electricity, equivalent to the energy consumption of one million homes, raising questions about sustainability and the strain on existing energy infrastructure, especially regarding Illinois's transition to renewable energy.