Lockport residents push back on talk of data center prior to city workshop Tuesday
Lockport, Illinois residents are actively opposing the potential development of a data center on the former Chevron oil refinery site in the Star Innovation District. The City of Lockport held its first workshop to discuss the possibility, prompting a protest and organized community resistance citing concerns about property values, noise, pollution, and utility rates. City officials emphasize that no official deal is pending, and discussions are ongoing.
The City of Lockport, Illinois, is exploring the possibility of developing a data center on the former Chevron oil refinery property within its Star Innovation District, an idea that has been met with immediate and significant resident opposition. Approximately 80 individuals, including local elected officials, attended a pre-meeting protest and media event organized by "Porters Against Data Centers" before the city's first workshop on the subject.
Residents' concerns, echoing those in nearby communities like Joliet and Yorkville where data centers have been approved, include potential negative impacts on property values, increased noise and air pollution, higher electrical rates, extensive water usage, effects on local wildlife, and a general lack of community benefit. Mayor Steven Streit addressed the workshop, stressing that "nothing official is actually happening right now" and encouraging community collaboration on the site's future. He reiterated that the city is merely weighing options after a land developer inquired about the city's openness to a data center pitch.
No decisions are scheduled to be made at the workshops or in upcoming city council meetings. A second workshop is slated for June 4 to continue discussions with experts and the public before any commitments are considered.