NBC 5: Developers revise Naperville data center plan after hearing from concerned residents
“Data centers have been around for quite some time, but they obviously have been a big topic of conversation globally, nationally and within our state for the last couple of months or maybe the last year,” Strom said. “From our perspective, data centers are very important to our everyday lives.”
But developers have since scaled back on the initial plan to now construct one singular building and believe they have addressed concerns. They reassured the public saying this could help revitalize the tech hub for Naperville.
“We are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in private investments into this development,” Strom said. “It’s going to create millions and millions of new annual tax revenue for the city, hundreds of new jobs, and it’s coming at no cost to taxpayers.”
Naperville Sun: Karis Critical scales back proposed data center in Naperville
As far as other additions to the proposal, Karis plans on offering a stewardship pledge in response to the numerous concerns they have received. They also plan on enrolling in Naperville’s green energy certificate program.
“What that’ll mean is we’ll purchase renewable energy credits through the City of Naperville’s pre-existing program, and that’ll certify that 100% of our megawatt hours, its load usage is matched to renewable energy placed on the grid,” said Patrick Skarr, a spokesperson for the project.
Daily Herald: ‘Backbone of the digital world’: Karis details plans for Naperville data center development
And another developer, Karis Critical, is proposing a relatively “boutique” data center development on the north side of Naperville. The city’s planning and zoning board is set to review the proposal Wednesday.
“It’s the backbone of the digital world and digital economy, and so I think having one in the right spot in your community has the benefits of infrastructure as well as the benefits of revenue creation for the city itself,” Karis CEO Jake Finley said.
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Data centers top a list of conditional uses in Naperville’s office, research and light industry zoning district, which is applicable to the I-88 corridor.
“We’re not coming in and looking to change the zoning,” Whitaker said. “We’re seeking a conditional use within the existing industrial zoning classification.”
Naperville Sun: Naperville data center vote delayed after opponents flood commission meeting
“This is an opportunity to find investment in the (Interstate 88) corridor that has been lacking,” Karis attorney Russ Whitaker said at the Wednesday night meeting.
Data centers are a critical component of modern day society, Whitaker said, comparing its development to the need for water infrastructure. The revised proposal includes a stewardship pledge that would be a guiding document and ensure the center does not put undue stress on the city or environment, he said.
Daily Herald: Data center could land at former Alcatel-Lucent site in Naperville
Earlier this year, Mayor Scott Wehrli noted at a city council meeting that data centers are the “No. 1 item” topping a list of conditional uses in Naperville’s office, research and light industry zoning district, which is applicable to the I-88 corridor.
Councilman Patrick Kelly expressed concerns regarding data centers, highlighting their significant demand for electricity and water.
However, Whitaker says not all data centers are created equally.
“The water usage associated with this building will be less than the 600,000-square-foot office building it’s replacing,” he said. “Yes, there will be a demand on electricity, but Naperville has the load capacity in their system today to accommodate that Phase 1 building.