A vote on what would be the largest data center in Illinois was postponed after a six-and-a-half-hour-long council meeting Monday night.
The center would be near Rowell and Bernhard Roads in Joliet, not far from the Chicagoland Speedway.
“I’m not opposed to it because we are here in the new age of advancing technology, and of course, you’re going to need facilities for that,” said Cherie Williams, Joliet resident.
While some residents see the benefits, including the creation of thousands of jobs, others said they’re against the $20 billion dollar investment and told NBC Chicago they’re concerned about the environment, the noise, water consumption, and the energy needed to power A.I.
“I don’t want to have to pay for electricity, for the water,” said Marie Pierre, a Joliet resident. “Personally, I feel it’s one more thing that’s going to be damaging to the city of Joliet.”
Residents from both sides of the debate packed Monday night’s council meeting. The vote was pushed back after hours of public comment and discussion.
Dallas-based developer Powerhouse Hillwood Holding wants to annex nearly 800 acres of farmland for the project. One woman told NBC Chicago her family owns land across the street from the proposed site.
“My grandfather came from Greece and that’s something that means something to us and I would hate to have to sell it and move,” said Deena Argoudelis-Tharp, Joliet resident.
Developers said the Joliet Technology Center would be constructed in four phases and would have 24 buildings. It would generate $2.1 billion in local tax revenue over 30 years, according to officials. Developers have also committed up to $100 million for city improvements. The site is big enough to fit eight football stadiums the size of Soldier Field.
“Think about those who live out there and it’s not about the money that it’s going to bring so they say to the community,” said Victoria Whitehead, Joliet resident. “But think about the people that’s got to experience and going to be affected by it.”
The city council meeting will be reconvened on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Council members are expected to take a vote on the data center proposal and agreement.
Don Schoenheider, Executive Vice President at Hillwood issued a statement on last night’s city council meeting.
“Last night’s hearing demonstrated the depth of community interest in this project. We appreciate the thoughtful questions and consideration by the Joliet City Council, and we are grateful to the many supporters who came forward, including organized labor, local residents, business leaders, and educators,” Schoenheider said. “That support underscores the opportunity this development represents for jobs and long-term economic growth in Joliet. We look forward to Thursday’s continuation of the hearing.”
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