Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) Recommendation Vote - Nov 19, 2025
Despite resident opposition, the commission voted to recommend approval.
The Dissenting Voice
Commissioner Courtney Naumes was the sole "NO" vote. Her statement perfectly summarizes the community's concerns regarding the proposal's failure to meet Naperville Ordinance requirements.
"I also appreciate the testimonies and materials provided by both the petitioner and the public throughout all of these public hearings.
After reviewing the record, I am actually not sure that this proposal meets the conditional use standards. A data center is unique, which is why it is considered conditional.
The operations of the data center introduce impacts such as noise, resource consumption and activity levels not present in surrounding parcels, raising concerns under Standard 2.1 (Public Health, Safety & General Welfare). This general area is comprised of neighborhoods, parks, forest preserves, and low intensity commercial use.
I believe it makes the proposed use out of character and creates potential adverse effects on the nearby properties, contrary to Standard 2.2.
I would like to acknowledge that the stewardship pledge will be included as a permitting condition... however, it doesn't provide the framework for mitigating resource consumption or noise or health-related impacts. That is a concern I see going forward.
As a result, I don't believe that the proposal supports the normal and orderly development of adjacent properties required by Standard 2.3. For these reasons, I cannot support the conditional use at this time."
An Outpouring of Community Opposition
Over the course of three grueling public hearings, the community showed up in force. This was not a case of minor disagreement; it was a plea for safety.
A record-breaking 60+ residents stood before the commission to testify. They weren't just speakers; they were parents worried about asthmatic children breathing diesel fumes, retirees fearing the loss of their peaceful backyards to industrial noise, and homeowners watching their major asset threatened by heavy industry.
The message delivered to the commission was unified and overwhelming: This industrial facility does not belong 500 feet from our bedrooms.
The core issue is not just the volume (decibels) but the type of noise. Data centers emit a constant Low-Frequency Noise (LFN) generated by massive cooling systems and 24+ diesel backup generators.
- Why it matters: Unlike traffic noise, LFN penetrates walls and windows. Residents in "Data Center Alley" (Virginia) and Chandler, AZ, describe it as an "inescapable mechanical hum" or "like a lawnmower running 24/7."
- The health and noise hazard: The proposed facility includes an array of 24 diesel generators. While the developer claims to meet city ordinances, standard noise studies often fail to measure the physical vibration and psychological impact of 24-hour low-frequency industrial drone.
This proposal places a "Heavy Industrial" source of pollution directly adjacent to Naper Commons and public parks. The primary concern is the emission of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from the testing of 24+ massive diesel generators.
- Medical Testimony: At the Nov 5th hearing, local medical experts (including an oncologist) testified that diesel exhaust is a known carcinogen linked to increased risks of lung cancer, heart disease, and asthma.
- The "Emergency" Myth: Developers argue generators are for "emergency use only," but routine maintenance testing occurs frequently. Furthermore, data centers in other regions have been asked to run generators during "peak grid stress" days—meaning they could run on the hottest days of summer when children are playing outside.
Standard 2.2 of the Conditional Use permit requires that the development "not result in adverse effects on nearby property." This proposal fails that standard by fundamentally altering the character of the neighborhood.
- Zoning Mismatch: The site was previously "Office/Research" (quiet, 9-5 operation). A Data Center is "Heavy Industrial" (24/7 noise, cooling towers, fuel storage).
- Market Reality: Real estate evidence suggests that homes adjacent to loud industrial facilities suffer from diminished resale value and increased time on market. Potential buyers are often deterred by the visual blight of cooling yards and the audible drone of servers, making this a direct financial threat to existing homeowners.
Timeline of Events
Make your voice heard before the final vote.