Cicero officials to consider resolutions opposing rumored data center developments in Stickney
Cicero officials are considering resolutions to oppose two rumored data center projects in neighboring Stickney, one potentially at the former Hawthorne Race Course and another near the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District denies any deal for a data center near its plant, while the owner of the Hawthorne property has not disclosed its plans. Local officials are acting preemptively due to concerns about power, water, and noise impacts.
Cicero officials are taking preemptive action against rumored data center developments in neighboring Stickney, Illinois, driven by concerns over power consumption, water usage, and noise. The Town of Cicero's trustees are set to consider two resolutions opposing these projects, despite a lack of official announcements regarding their existence.
One rumored project involves the 135-year-old Hawthorne Race Course, which recently closed. A mystery buyer, Allimac 2023 LLC, acquired the property for $90 million but has not disclosed its plans. Cicero fears the site could be redeveloped into a data center, which they believe would strain local resources and infrastructure.
The second rumored project is near the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. An industry website, Baxtel, reportedly claimed a deal was in the works with a company called MicroLink for a 2028 project. However, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which operates the plant, vehemently denies any such plans and has demanded MicroLink remove the claim. Josh Brniak, Stickney's building and zoning administrator, stated there has been no contact from Allimac regarding the Hawthorne property's future.