Naperville City Council Rejects Karis Data Center Proposal on Lucent Site
The Naperville City Council recently voted against a proposal for a Karis Critical data center. This decision came late on Tuesday night and followed extensive public debate. The council’s rejection of the project marks a significant moment in the development of the city’s infrastructure.
Details of the Rejected Proposal
The proposed data center was intended to be a substantial facility, measuring approximately 145,000 square feet. It was to be situated along the Interstate 88 corridor, adjacent to Naperville and Warrenville Roads, specifically on the site of the former Lucent campus.
Public Opposition and Council Vote
- The development faced considerable opposition from local residents.
- Many voiced their concerns during the council meeting.
- The final vote resulted in a 6 to 1 decision against the proposal, with two members choosing to abstain.
An attorney representing Karis Critical suggested reducing the planned number of diesel generators from 24 to 12. However, this proposal did not alleviate the worries of residents who had signed up to speak against the facility.
Developer’s Response
Karis Critical expressed disappointment following the vote. A spokesperson for the company stated that they invested significant resources over the past year to create a top-tier facility. They highlighted the project’s potential impact on the local technology and jobs corridor of Naperville.
The spokesperson also mentioned their hope for additional time to conduct studies that could address the concerns raised during the public discussions. The decision taken by the city council flips the earlier recommendation given by the city plan commission.
As the community deliberates future developments, the council’s decision underscores the importance of public opinion in shaping local infrastructure projects.
