Delight Technology Center Data Center Annexation & Development
Joliet
Summary
PowerHouse and Hillwood are seeking annexation, rezoning, and preliminary PUD approval for an 800-acre data center campus featuring 24 buildings. While union trade workers and economists praise the thousands of construction jobs and millions in tax revenue, local residents and environmental advocates strongly oppose the project over fears of soaring electric bills, water depletion, and severe noise and air pollution.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 12
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 3, 2026.
Impact analysis
Project expected to generate approximately $310 million in property taxes over 30 years and $40 million in utility taxes without municipal tax abatements.
Local union construction workers, school districts receiving property tax revenue, and the city's commercial tax base.
Nearby residents facing potential noise pollution, property value concerns, and increased utility demand risks.
Mentions & discussions (26)
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee - Jun 3, 2026
Committee members raised concerns about ensuring new housing developments have adequate utilities, cell service, and broadband internet access to support families and educational needs.
City Council Meeting - Apr 7, 2026
Residents voiced frustration during public comment regarding previous city council votes to approve large data center projects, stating that community opposition was ignored and demanding better dialogue between residents and elected officials.
Data center approval a ‘win-win’ for Joliet and skilled tradespeople
Data center approval a ‘win-win’ for Joliet and skilled tradespeople Chicago Construction News
2026-03-19 Council - Mar 23, 2026
Hillwood's 795-acre data center project near South Rowell Road and Bernhardt Road was hotly debated by residents and ultimately approved by the city council. Supporters highlighted millions in tax revenues for local schools and community benefits, while opponents raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise, and environmental impacts.
Joliet OKs controversial 795-acre data center
Joliet OKs controversial 795-acre data center Shaw Local
City Council Meeting - Continuation of the City Council Meeting – Reconvened - Mar 19, 2026
Hillwood's massive 795-acre data center project was approved by the city council despite intense community pushback. Supporters highlight union jobs and millions in tax revenue for schools, while opponents raised serious concerns about water usage, lack of public notice, and rising utility bills.
Data centers in Illinois: City council approves plans for Joliet data center near Bernhard and Rowell, east of Speedway
Data centers in Illinois: City council approves plans for Joliet data center near Bernhard and Rowell, east of Speedway ABC7 Chicago
Joliet Technology Center Vote By City Council Goes 8 To 1, Audience Claps With Approval
Joliet Technology Center Vote By City Council Goes 8 To 1, Audience Claps With Approval Patch
'How Much Money Is Joliet City Planner Going To Get From This Project?' Data Center Foe Asks Council
'How Much Money Is Joliet City Planner Going To Get From This Project?' Data Center Foe Asks Council Patch
Joliet data center decision delayed until Thursday
Joliet data center decision delayed until Thursday CBS News
More than 6 hours of public hearing forces Joliet City Council vote on data center to Thursday
More than 6 hours of public hearing forces Joliet City Council vote on data center to Thursday Shaw Local
Vote on Joliet data center proposal postponed after marathon public meeting
Vote on Joliet data center proposal postponed after marathon public meeting NBC 5 Chicago
City Council Meeting - Mar 16, 2026
Hillwood and Powerhouse Data Centers are proposing a massive 800-acre data center campus featuring 24 buildings on the southeast side of Joliet. While proponents highlight billions in private investment, union jobs, and tax revenue, residents and community groups have raised intense concerns regarding water consumption from a strained aquifer, noise pollution, and rising electricity costs.
Joliet Data Center Doesn't Get Yes Or No, City Council Meeting Passes Midnight, Vote Moved To Thursday
Joliet Data Center Doesn't Get Yes Or No, City Council Meeting Passes Midnight, Vote Moved To Thursday Patch
Data centers in Illinois: City council considers plans for Joliet data center near Bernhard and Rowell, east of Speedway
Data centers in Illinois: City council considers plans for Joliet data center near Bernhard and Rowell, east of Speedway ABC7 Chicago
795-acre proposed data center to take center stage at Joliet City Council meeting
795-acre proposed data center to take center stage at Joliet City Council meeting WGN-TV
Joliet residents express opposition to proposed data center
Joliet residents express opposition to proposed data center The Times Weekly
Plan Commission - Mar 5, 2026
PowerHouse and Hillwood are seeking annexation, rezoning, and preliminary PUD approval for an 800-acre data center campus featuring 24 buildings. While union trade workers and economists praise the thousands of construction jobs and millions in tax revenue, local residents and environmental advocates strongly oppose the project over fears of soaring electric bills, water depletion, and severe noise and air pollution.
City Council Meeting - Mar 3, 2026
Multiple residents spoke out against a proposed data center, raising concerns about air quality, diesel generator emissions, water usage, and lack of transparency.
Council - Feb 20, 2026
Multiple residents spoke out against the proposed Joliet Technology Center data center, citing concerns about skyrocketing electricity costs, massive water and energy consumption, and inflated job creation claims.
City Council Meeting - Feb 17, 2026
Multiple residents spoke out during public comment against the proposed Joliet Technology Center data center, citing concerns over high electricity prices, water usage, and inflated job creation claims.
Public Service Committee - Feb 17, 2026
Committee members questioned staff about water consumption for the Hillwood development. Staff explained that the developer shifted to a closed-loop cooling system, capping daily water use at 300,000 gallons mostly dedicated to landscaping irrigation rather than millions of gallons for industrial cooling.
2026-01-20 Council - Feb 6, 2026
Numerous residents spoke during public comment to voice strong opposition to a proposed massive data center development in the area, citing severe concerns over surging electricity rates, strain on local power grids, water consumption, and environmental degradation.
City Council Meeting - Jan 20, 2026
Numerous residents spoke out against a proposed large-scale AI data center in Joliet, expressing deep concerns over massive power grid strain, skyrocketing electric utility bills, water aquifer depletion, chemical pollution, and lack of transparency from city officials.
Joliet residents rise up again against proposed data center
Joliet residents rise up again against proposed data center Shaw Local
Joliet's 795-Acre Data Center Should Be Pulled Off Meeting Agenda: City Planner
Joliet's 795-Acre Data Center Should Be Pulled Off Meeting Agenda: City Planner Patch
Related development
Joliet Technology Center Subdivision (Joliet Data Center)
Will bring thousands of union construction jobs and significant long-term tax revenue, balanced against intense public concern over water, power, and noise.
Delight Technology Center
Brings extensive construction and permanent jobs, substantial tax revenue, and community benefits, alongside concerns regarding utility usage and industrial density.
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