A developer has pulled out of a planned meeting regarding a proposed $2 billion data center in Barrington Hills, officials announced.
Barrington Hills officials said the developer of the proposed data center has decided not to go forward with the presentation scheduled to take place at an informational Plan Commission meeting on February 2.
“At this time, the Village considers this matter closed and does not anticipate any further discussion,” village officials said.
The plan, driven by Chicago-based Brennan Investment Group, was expected to push for a data center building on property south of Penny Road and west of Pond Gate Drive.
Residents of Barrington Hills opposed the plan.
A petition that garnered about 1,360 signatures on change.org as of Thursday said Barrington Hills is cherished for its natural landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and most importantly, its pristine water sources that support both local wildlife and the community.
It added news of the proposed data center caused “deep concern among residents” because the “massive project threatens to disrupt our environment, jeopardize our water resources, and violate our village codes.”
The petition continued that data centers “consume large amounts of water for cooling purposes.”
It added that a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), data centers use millions of gallons of water annually, which can severely deplete local water tables.
“The environmental impact of such a facility could be devastating, endangering our water supply and affecting the delicate ecosystem on which many local species depend,” the petition reads.