Safety concerns force Grayslake officials to postpone public comment session on data center project
An extended public comment session on the approved T-5 data center project in Grayslake scheduled for Thursday evening has been postponed due to safety concerns.
The village in a news release Wednesday said it was postponing the session because the University Center of Lake County, where the event was to have been held, said it could no longer host.
“Recent social media posts, and other information, over the past 24 hours have raised safety concerns about the session,” according to the news release. “Area law enforcement agencies have expressed similar concerns.”
The release included examples of social media activity “that has caused concern” including several comments made Tuesday on Instagram by PSL Lake County.
In a separate action Monday, the village announced the extended comment session had been scheduled and noted that public safety measures for village board meetings would be implemented beginning with the Aug. 18 meeting and continuing until further notice.
Those measures including preentry screening including metal detection and a ban on bags, backpacks and similar items inside village hall.
Mayor Elizabeth Davies said she was aware of social media threats directed at her, village board members and staff. She said the decision to postpone Thursday's comment session was prompted by the venue host.
“This wasn't a Grayslake decision, this was a University Center decision,” she said.
“The well-being of our residents remains a top priority,” Wednesday's release said. “We thank the community for its patience as we assess the situation and determine next steps.”
The massive T-5 data center project is planned between Alleghany Road and Route 83 north of Peterson Road.
It received village approvals between September 2024 and May 2025 and in recent months has been the topic of intense and continuing public pushback as well as a lawsuit.
A frequently asked questions section on the village's website was updated Tuesday.