Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Naperville City Council voted 6–1, with two abstentions, last week to reject a proposed 36-megawatt data center along the I-88 corridor, citing concerns over its proximity to homes, water use, emissions, and potential health impacts.
The 130,000-sq. ft. project, proposed by Karis Critical, includes a single facility on a site previously occupied by an office building. The developer had offered to scale the project down from two buildings to one, but the revised plan was also rejected.
The council meeting drew 47 public speakers and a packed council chamber, with many holding signs reading, “Put kids over money.” Residents said they supported redevelopment of the vacant site but opposed a data center in their community.
While the project was denied, labor leaders emphasized its potential economic and employment benefits.
Anthony Giunti, International Representative, 6th District, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), said construction would have put millions of dollars into the local economy through contractors, union trades and suppliers. Once completed, he said, the center would have supported long-term operations jobs both at the facility and indirectly through tenants.
“Contrary to what you’ve heard, these are not just temporary jobs,” Giunti said. “These are careers that can provide for families and strengthen our community. The developer and the city have gone above and beyond to protect residents and the environment. Fears about water use and health impacts are not based on facts.”
Giunti also compared the council’s decision to debates over a proposed 1% grocery tax, saying, “Not approving this construction will have real economic consequences for Naperville.
“I can tell you taking away the opportunity for stable work has a more profound impact than that tax ever will.”
Karis Critical executives said the facility would have used less water than the former office building and pledged to cover any increase in energy costs.
Frank Gravina, secretary-treasurer of the DuPage County Building Trades, told councillors rejecting the project removes years of high-paying, skilled construction work and stalls reinvestment in a long-vacant property.
