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Joliet Delays Vote on Illinois' Largest Data Center After Marathon Hearing

City leaders will reconvene Thursday to consider the proposal after hours of public testimony.

Overview

  • The City Council will resume the meeting Thursday at 5:30 p.m., when members are expected to vote on the development agreement.
  • Developers seek to annex nearly 800 acres near Rowell and Bernhard roads by the Chicagoland Speedway for a 24-building campus built in four phases.
  • Officials cite projections of $2.1 billion in local tax revenue over 30 years and up to $100 million in city improvements, with supporters highlighting thousands of construction jobs and about 700 permanent positions.
  • Residents packed the chambers to oppose the project, citing water use, energy demand and noise, and one speaker presented nearly 5,000 petition signatures.
  • The team behind the Joliet Technology Center says the project would be the largest data center in Illinois if approved and is targeting its first building for 2028.