Hawthorne Race Course’s neighbors brace for data center redevelopment as buyer stays silent
Cicero officials are preparing to consider anti-data center resolutions in response to the purchase of Hawthorne Race Course by Allimac 2023 LLC, which has remained silent on its plans for the site. Residents are concerned about potential data center development, citing environmental impacts, noise, and rising electricity costs, reflecting broader regional opposition seen in actions like Lake County pursuing a moratorium.
With the sale of the Hawthorne Race Course to Allimac 2023 LLC complete, the nearby town of Cicero, Illinois, is anticipating the site could be redeveloped into a data center. Despite the new owner's silence on future plans for the $90 million property, Cicero officials are scheduled to consider two anti-data center resolutions on Tuesday. One resolution specifically targets the Hawthorne site at 3501 South Laramie Avenue, which borders Cicero, while the other addresses a hypothetical data center near the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant.
Town leaders emphasized their proactive stance, stating they "did not want to wait for construction to begin before taking steps to protect Cicero residents." The lack of communication and transparency from the Delaware-based shell company, Allimac 2023 LLC, has fueled tension among the community.
Across the Chicagoland area, residents are increasingly demanding action from municipal leaders against data center developments, citing environmental issues, noise pollution, and rising electricity costs. This regional sentiment is reflected in recent actions, such as Lake County's decision in early June to pursue a temporary moratorium on data center development in its unincorporated areas. Additionally, developer Karis Critical was compelled to withdraw a rezoning request for the 186-acre Plum Farms site due to significant public backlash over a potential data center project.