Essex residents fear data center may be coming to former golf course
Constellation Energy has purchased approximately 700 acres in Essex, Illinois, near a nuclear power plant, with the intent to market the land to future developers, potentially for a data center. Residents are expressing strong opposition through yard signs, and the Essex Village Mayor has issued a statement prioritizing community needs over corporate profit.
Constellation Energy, a major power plant owner in northern and central Illinois, has acquired about 700 acres of land in Essex, Illinois, spending over $41 million. The company intends to market this property, located near its Braidwood Clean Energy Center nuclear plant, to potential future developers seeking carbon-free power, though no specific customer has been identified.
This land acquisition has sparked significant concern among Essex residents, many of whom have displayed yard signs opposing data center development. Essex Village Mayor Peter Dvorak addressed the situation, stating that the village is in the early fact-finding stages and is committed to protecting the town's character and ensuring community benefits. He emphasized that the needs of the community are paramount and will not be secondary to corporate profit motives.
The land purchases began in June 2025, following a fire that destroyed the High Point Golf Course clubhouse in February 2025, which previously occupied some of the acquired parcels. Former Essex Village Board member Ed Foley and current Trustee John Bohac were among the sellers. Trustee Bohac will recuse himself from any future village board votes concerning the potential data center's zoning, though the village's attorney, Neal Smith, confirmed no conflicts of interest existed at the time of the land sales.