The Joliet City Council on Thursday evening approved a controversial data center on a nearly unanimous vote, over the objections of many residents and at the urging of the building trades.
The vote was 8-to-1.
The council, earlier in the week, heard hours of testimony, most against the data center.
Before that, the city’s Plan Commission heard public comment before recommending passage by the city council.
During the council meeting on Thursday evening, trade unions, supporting the center, packed the council chambers well ahead of the meeting, preventing data center opponents from being in the room, according to Joliet resident Alicia Morales.
“There’s an overwhelming public interest in this issue,” she said. “This does not feel right, when a decision of this magnitude is being considered - one that will impact our neighborhoods, our environment, our children, our future, our health – the public deserves a genuine opportunity to be present, to be heard and to engage. What we are seeing here does not reflect transparency, it reflects exclusion.”
Public comment on the topic was not allowed. It had already been heard. Some tried, anyway, and were removed by police.
One woman said, “data centers should cover their own costs and bring their own power,” as the mayor pounded a gavel and officers approached the podium.
Several in the audience yelled “let her speak.”
Another woman told council members “you have sold out every citizen of Joliet,” as she, too was approached by officers.
“Just know that everyone is going to remember each one of you that voted yes,” she said.
Opponents are concerned about pollution, noise, and water and electric bills.
ComEd has said bills would not increase because of the data center.
The developers of the 20-billion-dollar project, Hillwood Investment Properties and Powerhouse Data Centers, plan 24 buildings on nearly 800 acres of farmland near the Chicagoland Speedway.
It will be the largest data center in the state.
"This annexation agreement sets clear expectations for infrastructure, services, and community benefits while helping ensure the project moves forward in a responsible way," Joliet City Manager Beth Beatty said in a statement. "It also delivers substantial new revenue for local taxing bodies and long-term financial benefits for the community."
Council member Suzanna Ibarra, the one 'no' vote, said “the voice of the people has not been accurately or respectfully addressed in this process and I will not ignore that.”