Myth #1: Not all data centers are created equal…this one is safe! Fact Karis Critical’s proposed data center will cause a strain on neighbors’ health, Naperville utilities, local wildlife, and air quality.
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The proposed facility is a 211,000-square-foot, 36-megawatt data center (case DEV-0057-2025) requiring 24/7/365 energy usage. This massive demand on the power grid will likely lead to increased electric costs for all customers—a scenario playing out in communities across the country.

Myth #2: The "Community Stewardship Pledge" ensures safety. Fact There are neither adequate safeguards in place nor are Karis’ “mitigation” efforts enough to alleviate the public harm.
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Despite the pledge, the sheer scale of a 36-megawatt facility creates unavoidable impacts. The "stewardship" does not negate the massive resource consumption or the physical presence of industrial equipment next to residential zones.

Myth #3: Data Centers are progress... there’s no stopping it! Fact Yes, but they have no place next to homes. Together, we can stop them from being built in our backyards!
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Other forward-thinking cities, like Aurora, have recently established moratoriums on data centers to study their impacts. Naperville should be equally protective of its citizens. Rushing into a poorly regulated industry can have repercussions that last for decades, including potential long-term lawsuits and damages.

Myth #4: Diesel generators are only for backup, so they're safe. Fact Diesel generator emissions are known to cause cancer and respiratory issues—there is NO SAFE AMOUNT OF EXPOSURE.
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The proposal includes 24 huge backup diesel generators with onsite fuel storage many times greater than a gas station. Beyond emergencies, these must run for regular maintenance and testing. They create serious air and noise pollution affecting nearby neighborhoods, forest preserves, and the Sensory Garden Playground.

Myth #5: It’s the I-88 corridor, so it’s zoned for this! Fact This site is zoned "ORI" (Office, Research & Light Industry)—which data centers are not.
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Almost every single data center in Chicago is zoned "Industrial," not "Light Industry." Karis Critical petitioned for “conditional use” to use the property as a data center in an area zoned for “light industry.” The standard for conditional use is governed by Naperville Ordinance (6:3:8) in which the applicant must prove it meets ALL four key criteria: 2.1. The establishment, maintenance or operation of the conditional use will not be detrimental to, or endanger the public health, safety and general welfare; and 2.2. The conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate area for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood; 2.3. The establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the adjacent property for uses permitted in the district. 2.4. The establishment of the conditional use is not in conflict with the adopted comprehensive master plan. 3. Karis Critical fails to meet three out of four of the requirements for conditional use. Countless health experts have provided testimony that there is NO safe level of exposure to particulates emitted by diesel fumes and other pollutants released by data centers. The pollution and noise emitted by the data center will impede homeowners' ability to use and enjoy their property. These factors will also severely impact the use of parks and green spaces as was intended at the time of their establishment. Thus, Karis Critical has failed to meet three out of four elements to satisfy conditional use. Additionally, the area has been evolving toward residential use (like Naper Commons), and a data center here does not align with the city's master plan or the 2021 precedent encouraging residential growth.

Myth #6: This will bring big money to Naperville! Fact No, it won’t. The numbers don’t add up.
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The claimed $1 million in tax revenue is a drop in the bucket compared to Naperville’s $640 million annual budget. Studies have shown that residential development on this parcel would likely generate more tax revenue without the massive liabilities and environmental risks associated with an industrial data center.