Residents opposing the development of a data center in Grayslake have filed a lawsuit against the village, developer T5 Data Centers, and landowner Alter Asset Management Company. They seek to void prior approvals and agreements as community dissatisfaction grows. The land was sold by the Alter Group to T5 in 2024, led by Michael Alter, a known real estate figure and owner of the Chicago Sky basketball team. The lawsuit was announced at an event organized by the Lake County Illinois Data Center Opposition Coalition, a group against the Grayslake project, and was met with applause from attendees.
The lawsuit, filed by the Preservation of Community Well-being Collective, represents residents from Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, Mundelein, and Round Lake Park. It demands the nullification of 2024-2025 approvals, revocation of development agreements between Grayslake and T5, and a permanent halt to further permit issuance to T5.
Michael Smith, co-founder of the opposition coalition, expressed optimism about the lawsuit’s prospects, stating, “We feel like we have a strong case to present to the court.” Smith, alongside attorney Chloe Russell, noted similar lawsuits are occurring in the region, like the recent resolution in Yorkville.
Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies mentioned the village hadn’t received the lawsuit yet. T5’s CEO, Pete Marin, stated the company will address the lawsuit through legal channels. Marin assured that the development complies with all laws and regulations, emphasizing the benefits such as substantial new taxes and fees for Grayslake and Lake County. “This is a significant investment,” Marin remarked, offering residents and leaders future financial benefits.
Wednesday’s event combined an educational forum with advocacy training. Speakers and residents discussed potential health and environmental issues from the data center, including air pollution, noise, and water contamination. Michael Smith criticized T5 and the village of Grayslake for lacking transparency about the development’s impact.
Community concerns about the project’s transparency were reiterated during the forum. The opposition accuses Grayslake of misrepresentation during approval stages. Davies countered that the 640-acre business park, Cornerstone, was always intended for such developments, requiring minimal adjustments. The event also hinted at potential political shifts, with some attendees planning future elections against current trustees.
Recent actions by T5, like retracting a wetlands remediation application, suggest sensitivity to public opposition. Marin explained the survey conducted by a public relations firm aimed to understand community concerns. He highlighted T5’s history of cooperative engagement with communities, citing the application’s withdrawal as a response to local voices.
Despite T5’s claims, opponents voiced continued environmental concerns. At a meeting of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the site’s environmental risks were highlighted. Brian Frank, SMC’s chief engineer, noted if T5’s plans affect isolated wetlands under county jurisdiction, they require SMC’s approval. Frank stressed the importance of a hydraulic review to manage potential drainage effects on wetlands, adding that the SMC currently holds no direct involvement with the development.
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