Joliet City Council approves plans for Illinois' largest data center

The Joliet City Council has approved plans for a massive 795-acre data center, set to become the largest facility of its kind in Illinois. The decision came after extensive public debate and active opposition from residents concerned about the project's impact on health, utility bills, and quality of life. The proposed development, spearheaded by HW Technology Park Development LLC, will be located in a rural area next to the Chicagoland Speedway. It will house 24 buildings for artificial intelligence servers and is projected to be operational by 2030. Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty stated that the annexation agreement ensures infrastructure, services, and community benefits, while delivering substantial new revenue and long-term financial advantages for the community. Public hearings saw hours of comments, predominantly from opponents. The vote itself was emotional, with residents like Serena Guzman expressing deep disappointment, while others, such as union member Thomas Fulara, supported the project for its potential job creation in the construction industry. Longtime resident Kathleen Garthus voiced fears about the continuation of development patterns that have negatively impacted her. ComEd officials assured that the data center's energy demands would not raise electricity rates for residents or businesses. The developer also committed to minimal water usage, primarily during startup, and pledged an estimated $2 billion in tax revenue for Joliet, along with 7,000 to 10,000 construction jobs, 700 permanent positions, and $100 million for city services and infrastructure improvements.