Opponents of a planned data center in Grayslake have filed a lawsuit against the village of Grayslake, T5 Data Centers, and Alter Asset Management Company. They seek to invalidate prior approvals and agreements as local opposition grows. The Alter Group sold the land to T5 in 2024, with Michael Alter leading the real estate agency and owning the Chicago Sky basketball team.
The lawsuit was announced at an event organized by the Lake County Illinois Data Center Opposition Coalition. The plaintiffs include residents and property owners from Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, Mundelein, and Round Lake Park. The lawsuit demands the invalidation of the 2024-2025 approvals, voiding of agreements between Grayslake and T5, and a permanent injunction against issuing further permits to T5.
Michael Smith, co-founder of the opposition coalition, expressed confidence in their case and hopes the court will support their position.
Lake County Attorney Chloe Russell represents the plaintiffs and has worked with similar groups in Joliet and Yorkville. A lawsuit in Yorkville recently ended in a settlement. Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies stated that the village had not been served with the lawsuit. T5’s CEO Pete Marin affirmed that the company complied with laws and regulations. Marin emphasized the project’s potential benefits, including new taxes and fees for Grayslake and Lake County.
The educational forum also included advocacy training sessions. Concerns raised included air pollution from diesel generators, potential soil and water contamination, and noise and light pollution. Some residents criticized Grayslake’s handling of the project, citing a lack of transparency.
The forum attendees included area officials and a potential candidate for the village’s trustee elections in 2027. The backlash suggests political consequences for Grayslake officials. T5 recently withdrew an application related to filling wetland areas, reportedly to address community concerns. Marin said this withdrawal shows T5’s responsiveness to public opinion. However, opponents warn that environmental risks remain.
The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission meeting also discussed the development. Brian Frank, the Commission’s chief engineer, explained that T5 hadn’t continued their application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hence, the application was closed. Frank noted that if any impact on isolated wetlands occurs, it would require Commission review and approval. While T5 is planning around existing wetlands, potential impacts, like drainage, need careful monitoring. The Commission must ensure excessive water doesn’t compromise the wetlands.