We asked what readers think of efforts to build data centers in Chicago. Here’s what you told us, lightly edited for clarity:
“We need to keep up with the rest of the world. If we don’t build them, then we fall behind as a society and as a country.”
— Drew Pekala
“Build them only in communities where the median home price is above $3 million. Make them build their own power source that is not connected to our public grid. Do not give them a single cent in tax breaks. Enact strict environmental protections for water usage, emissions and noise pollution.”
— Austin Child
“How do we live in a time period where natural resources are becoming scarce, and people still think data centers are OK?”
— Sergio Antonio Cueto Tellez
“Great. If they make money, they should be paying their own way and then some. No corporate tax benefits, no discounts and no dumping.”
— Christine Bock
“Our precious resources such as our Great Lakes are at serious risk of depletion and pollution. Electricity rates will continue to skyrocket with no caps or end in sight. They create noise, light, air and water pollution, ruin the environment, wetlands and kill wildlife and negatively impact property values. The list is long and very concerning.”
— Deborah Bullwinkel
“They need to be built. There just needs to be a better methodology for where and how.”
— David Mansfield
“If they can supply their own power up to regulatory spec, sure, why not. But they have to address infrastructural and environmental concerns. And taxpayers and ComEd customers better not see even a penny of cost.”
— Adam Agosto
“It should not be done. Especially in heavily populated areas. Statistics are just now coming in about the adverse impact on wildlife, people, businesses, communities and natural resources.”
— Alyce Langreder-Garcia
“Build something that will make life better for Chicagoans. There’s a very long list of deferred maintenance on infrastructure, public services are being cut, etc. Data centers are not needed.”
— Tim Patterson