A large crowd turned out for a Joliet Plan Commission meeting, weighing in on a proposed data center.
It would be the largest in the state.
A 20-billion-dollar investment by Hillwood Investment Properties and PowerHouse Data Centers.
The center would be built on nearly 800 acres of land south of the Chicagoland Speedway.
During public comment that lasted about five hours, concerns were raised about the impact electric bills, about water use, pollution, and health impacts, as well positive comments about jobs, tax dollars and economic development.
“I would be for this project if you had a system in place to provide power to your own data center,” said Tina McGrath. “I don’t think most people understand how you buy your electric in Illinois. You're not getting it from ComEd,” she said, “ComEd is delivering it. Power is purchased at auction and those rates are determined by demand. These data centers have driven up demand tremendously.”
Another speaking in opposition has concerns about water usage and quality.
“Clean drinking water should be given to the people, not to line the pockets of an industry that only contributes to the decay of the mind,” said Amina Brown.
Several people representing various building trades urged the Plan Commission to vote yes to the data center.
“We need a project like this in our back yard,” said Doc Gregory, of the Pipefitters Local 597.
Gregory said other data centers planned for the region ended up being built elsewhere, and hundreds of his members have had to drive hundreds of miles to work out of state.
“Our jobs are very important to our men and women,” he said, noting that this project along could create 8,600 jobs.
Joliet resident Timothy Broderick said, “Joliet has a generational opportunity in front of it, to attract a major long-term investment that can create jobs, strengthen the tax base and signal that Joliet is open for responsible growth.”
The plan commission approved the center on a vote of 7-1.
It will next be considered by the Joliet City Council.