**Naperville City Council Rejects 36MW Data Center Proposal Amid Local Opposition**

Naperville City Council Rejects 36MW Data Center Proposal Amid Local Opposition January 28, 2026 A major data center development near Chicago has been halted, highlighting the growing tensions between rapid digital infrastructure expansion and local community concerns. The rejection underscores the increasing scrutiny data center projects face regarding land use, environmental impact, and utility demands, even in established markets. The Naperville City Council voted six to one last Tuesday, January 20, to deny a proposal for a 36-megawatt data center campus. The project, planned for a 40-acre site at 1936 Lucent Lane by developer Karis Critical, would have comprised a two-story facility spanning 145,000 square feet. This decision represents a significant setback for the developer, which had initially filed an application for a larger, 72MW complex but scaled back its plans in October 2025 following pushback from residents and authorities. Local opposition played a decisive role. A community petition against the development gathered over 5,260 signatures, with residents citing typical concerns such as potential noise pollution and strain on utility rates that could lead to increases for the broader community. Opponents also argued the project suffered from inadequate planning and permitting procedures and was inconsistent with local zoning codes. In contrast, Karis Critical promoted the project on a dedicated website as a "best-in-class, boutique data center campus" and estimated it would generate $2.25 million in annual tax revenue for local governments. The council's vote blocks a substantial investment in Naperville, a key municipality west of Chicago, which serves as Illinois's primary data center hub. This case may signal a more challenging approval environment for future projects, requiring developers to engage more deeply with community concerns and demonstrate clearer alignment with long-term municipal planning and sustainability goals from the outset. Source: datacenterdynamics