Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant seeks to attract data center at dormant trash incinerator site
Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant is actively seeking to attract a data center to a 16.5-acre dormant incinerator site to boost local tax revenue. The project, which is in early discussions, faces significant challenges related to power supply and requires a zoning change from the village. Utility companies have cited long wait times and substantial upfront costs for power infrastructure.
Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant is spearheading efforts to develop a data center at a 16.5-acre dormant trash incinerator site at 13400 Kedzie Ave, aiming to generate much-needed tax revenue for the village. Discussions, described as "very mild" since February, have involved property owner Paul Duggan and potential brokers, exploring options for revenue sharing and tax incentives.
A primary obstacle is securing adequate power for the proposed facility. Paul Duggan reported that Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) officials indicated a five- to seven-year wait for power delivery, along with a mandatory $5 million downpayment. These new requirements, approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in March, are designed to safeguard ratepayers from large-scale projects that might not fully materialize. Duggan is exploring alternative power solutions, including using existing natural gas lines for a generator developed by Mainspring Energy, despite Illinois's plan to retire gas-generating capacity by 2045.
The project also necessitates a zoning change from the village. Mayor Bryant has expressed confidence in the village's water supply, stating that one of its two water towers could serve the data center without issue. He supports the project as a smaller-scale development, contrasting it with larger, more controversial data centers in other areas, though he acknowledges potential concerns about noise pollution and limited job creation. Village spokesperson Sean Howard emphasized that this development aligns with Robbins' broader economic revitalization efforts, aiming to attract investment to the historically underserved community.
Duggan, who acquired the property in 2023, is focused on identifying the most profitable use for the site to recover a previous loan, especially given over $265,000 in unpaid property taxes. The next critical steps involve securing a developer, followed by the formal zoning change process and other necessary approvals.