What's Happening?
The Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission has voted 8-1 in favor of a proposal to build a 211,000 square-foot, 36-megawatt data center on a 40-acre site at the former Alcatel-Lucent location. Developer
Karis Critical scaled back the initial proposal from two buildings totaling 72 megawatts to one, following community pushback. The site is zoned for office, research, and light industry use, which includes data centers. Despite opposition from local residents concerned about noise and emissions, the commission found the project suitable for the I-88 corridor, historically used for business purposes. The proposal will now proceed to the City Council for final approval.
Why It's Important?
The approval of the data center is significant for Naperville's economic landscape, potentially generating $1.6 million to $2.2 million in annual local tax revenue. This development could position the data center as one of the city's largest tax contributors. However, the decision has sparked controversy among residents, particularly those living near the proposed site, who fear negative health impacts from noise and emissions. The commission's decision reflects a balance between economic growth and community concerns, highlighting the ongoing debate over industrial development in residential areas.
What's Next?
The proposal will be reviewed by the City Council for final approval. If approved, construction will begin, and the data center could become operational, contributing to local tax revenue. Community groups may continue to voice opposition, potentially influencing council decisions or leading to further negotiations with the developer to address environmental and health concerns.
