$2 billion data center proposal in Barrington Hills withdrawn

A real estate developer has withdrawn a $2 billion proposal to build a data center in Barrington Hills, officials announced.

The plan, which had faced significant opposition from residents, focused on land south of Penny Road and west of Pond Gate Drive. According to a post on the village’s Facebook page, the would-be developer, Chicago-based Brennan Investment Group, has decided not to go forward with a public presentation scheduled for a special plan commission meeting on Feb. 2 “based on initial feedback.”

“At this time, the Village considers this matter closed and does not anticipate any further discussion,” the Facebook post concluded. The Feb. 2 meeting has been canceled.

A change.org petition opposing the project had garnered 1,303 signatures as of Tuesday. It cites concerns about air pollution, water quality and the tax impact of the proposal.

“We cannot allow this proposal to compromise the very essence of what makes Barrington Hills a special place,” the petition states. “Our community must come together to oppose this development and protect our environmental heritage.”

Brennan is behind data center developments in Elk Grove Village and Rolling Meadows, documents indicate.