Joliet Approved Massive Data Center as Residents Raise Health Concerns
JOLIET, IL — The Joliet City Council has approved plans for what will become the largest data center in Illinois, despite public health and environmental concerns from residents.
In an 8-1 vote Thursday night, council members gave the green light to the Joliet Data Center, a 795-acre development planned near Rowell Avenue and Bernhard Road, a short distance from the Chicagoland Speedway.
The decision came after hours of public comment and a packed City Hall, where residents, labor leaders, and local officials shared sharply divided views.
District 5 Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra cast the only “no” vote, saying her district is often the dumping ground for what other districts don’t want in their district.
The data center project is part of a broader industrial boom that has been building in Joliet for more than a decade. Since 2010, the city has seen rapid growth in logistics and warehouse development, driven largely by the CenterPoint Intermodal Center and the rise of e-commerce.
By late 2021, Joliet had 69 warehouse buildings in operation with a total warehouse space reaching 31.5 million square feet and occupancy rates reaching about 95%
The workforce in transportation, warehousing, and utilities has grown by about 3% since 2010, showing a steady shift toward industrial jobs. Much of this expansion has taken place on the east and southeast side of Joliet, where large industrial projects continue to move closer to residential areas. District 5, Joliet’s east and southeast district, has the highest population of working-class and low-income Black and Hispanic residents.
Meanwhile, District 4, the west side of Joliet, has seen increases in commercial and business development, residential growth, and higher incomes.
Jobs and Economic Growth Highlighted
Supporters say the project could bring major economic growth. City Manager Beth Beatty said the agreement sets expectations for how the project will move forward.
“This annexation agreement sets clear expectations for infrastructure, services, and community benefits while helping ensure the project moves forward in a responsible way,” Beatty said. “It also delivers substantial new revenue for local taxing bodies and long-term financial benefits for the community.”
Developers Hillwood and PowerHouse Data Centers have pledged a $100 million community investment contribution as part of the deal.
Key terms includes $20 million upfront payment within 30 days of closing. Additional $20 million payments are tied to each development phase.
The development phase breakdowns show: $670 million for Joliet Township High School District, $146 million for Will County and $76 million for Joliet Junior College
“We are the third largest city in Illinois, and with that comes opportunity,” Councilman Cesar Cardenas added.
The total project is valued at $20 billion. City Officials’ estimate the Data Center will bring 7,000 to 10,000 construction jobs, about 700 permanent jobs, and roughly $310 million in property taxes over 30 years.
Mayor Terry D’Arcy called the project a long-term investment in the city’s future.
Environmental and Health Concerns Grow
Residents and experts continue to raise concerns about the impact of large-scale data centers.
Air Pollution Risks: Backup diesel generators release pollutants like nitrogen oxides and fine particles, which can worsen asthma and increase heart disease risks.
Constant Noise Impact: Facilities run 24/7, producing ongoing low-frequency noise that may disrupt sleep and raise stress levels.
Heat and Climate Effects: Data centers generate large amounts of heat, which can raise local temperatures and worsen air quality.
Heavy Water Usage: Cooling systems may use millions of gallons of water daily, putting pressure on local supplies. Strain on Power and Utilities: High electricity demand can strain the grid and increase costs for residents.
“They don’t care about the residents of Joliet,” said Craig Doorneweerd, who lives near the site. “My house is going to be less than 300 feet from the data center.”
Questions Raised Over Land Sale and Oversight
Questions have also surfaced about a land deal connected to the project. The family of Joliet Planning Director Jayne Bernhard sold land to the developers Hillwood and PowerHouse. City officials say Bernhard has not been involved in decision-making.
City spokeswoman Ann Sylvester said Bernhard “has not been involved with conversations regarding the project.”
A follow-up statement said any involvement was “clerical in nature” and did not include evaluating or advancing the proposal. Officials added she will have no role in the project moving forward.
The sale price has not been made public. However, it’s believe the deal could be worth hundred millions of dollars for the Bernhard family, raising concerns about transparency.
What Happens Next
With approval secured, the project now moves into the planning phase. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027. The plans include 24 buildings, four sub-campuses, and more than 6.9 million square feet. The data center is expected to be completed by 2032.
Similar Project Rejected in Naperville
Joliet’s approval comes just months after a similar data center proposal was rejected in Naperville.
In January 2026, the Naperville City Council voted 6–1 to deny a proposal to build a data center at a former corporate campus.
City leaders and more than 5,000 residents raised several concerns. The main concern was that the land was planned for residential use, not industrial development. High energy demand could strain the power grid and cause a potential decline in nearby property values
Local doctors also warned about possible cancer risks linked to emissions from backup generators. Following the rejection, a new plan has emerged to build more than 250 housing units on the site, which city leaders say better fits community needs.
