Say no to Grayslake data center plan

Anyone who follows Lake County news knows about the T5 @ Chicago IV Data Center. Taking up 472 acres on Peterson Road in Grayslake, this project would become the largest data center in Lake County. Also obvious to anyone watching is the opposition the community has expressed at this project. Residents have sued to stop this project. Many have made public comments against it at local government meetings. Reasons for opposition are varied, including concerns about energy/water usage causing shortages or rate hikes, flooding due to wetland development, and light pollution around the site. Many also believe the project lacked enough community input and that the Grayslake local government isn’t being upfront about the costs of this project.

Here is what I know. I know that this project will develop over 15 acres of local wetlands, making flooding more likely. I know that, according to Grayslake's local government, “a significant amount of power will be required” for this project, and that it will increase the water usage of the village by up to 4%. Furthermore, I know all signs indicate the community opposes the project. Despite concerns, there’s no apparent hesitancy in going forward, and it appears the village intended to approve this project no matter how the community felt.

I've lived in Grayslake as long as I can remember. I take pride in my community, especially its environmentalism. This project is antithetical to everything we stand for. It prioritizes corporate development over the health of the community and environment. I urge the village to listen to our outcry and reverse this decision. If they won't, the community must continue to try to stop this damaging project, including voting out the people behind this decision.

Isaiah Gauwitz

Grayslake