Avon Township Opposes Grayslake Data Center Project in Lake County
Avon Township has officially expressed opposition to the Grayslake T5 data center, despite the project being located in Fremont Township. This local opposition is part of a broader trend in Illinois, with a legal challenge anticipated, state-level executive order pausing tax incentives, and a Lake County moratorium enacted on data center projects. State Senator Darby Hills has also proposed legislation to address community concerns.
Avon Township has officially expressed opposition to the Grayslake T5 data center project, despite the facility being located in neighboring Fremont Township within Lake County, Illinois. This move reflects broader tensions across the state regarding data center developments, which are drawing criticism from residents and various levels of government.
The township's resolution, passed with four votes in favor and one abstention from Supervisor Michele Bauman, is not expected to directly impact the Grayslake project. Bauman had argued against the resolution, stating the township lacked governmental authority over the development and proposing a more neutral resolution focused on transparency and engagement. Residents, however, were unreceptive to her conciliatory stance.
Opposition to the Grayslake project is intensifying, with attorney Chloe Russell, representing the Lake County Data Center Opposition Coalition, indicating a likely legal challenge in the near future. Similar opposition efforts are underway in Yorkville and Joliet.
On a wider scale, Governor J.B. Pritzker recently issued an executive order halting tax incentives for data centers starting in July, following failed legislative attempts to regulate the industry. State Senator Darby Hills has also proposed legislation aimed at increasing local input, establishing buffer zones for residential areas, and addressing concerns about water usage, contamination, conservation, and noise. Furthermore, the Lake County Board has enacted its own moratorium on data center projects in unincorporated areas, intending to develop specific regulations.