Grayslake Residents Challenge $18 Billion Data Center in Court

Neighborhood groups went to court on November 6 seeking to stop the proposed data center development in Grayslake. A Lake County judge heard arguments on whether to dismiss the lawsuit, which the groups filed in July against the village and developer T5 Data Centers. No final ruling was necessarily expected at the hearing.

The groups allege village officials exceeded their zoning authority, denied residents due process and violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act while advancing the project. Opponents have also cited concerns about noise, possible harm to nearby wetlands, and the facility’s expected use of water and electricity.

The village and T5 have argued that the development would bring substantial economic benefits. Their estimates put property tax revenue at $1.4 billion over 20 years, alongside hundreds of construction jobs and more than 1,000 permanent jobs once the project is complete.

Construction activity has begun. Grayslake issued its first building permit for the project in September, covering an 800,000-square-foot facility. The court hearing addressed the motion to dismiss; the dispute over the project remains before the court.