Yorkville Data Centers: Contracts Approved for Engineering & Sound

The Rise of Yorkville as a Data Center Hub

Yorkville’s attractiveness to data center developers stems largely from its strategic location near a major ComEd substation, providing crucial power infrastructure. This proximity, combined with available land, has positioned the city as a potential corridor for data center campuses, particularly in the northeast quadrant of Eldamain Road and Route 34. Several projects are currently under consideration, representing a significant investment in the region.

However, this rapid development hasn’t been without opposition. Residents have voiced concerns about potential impacts on their health, increased noise levels, the strain on energy resources, and the overall cost to the community. These concerns prompted the city to proactively establish regulations specifically tailored to data center projects.

New Regulations and Standards for Data Center Development

In June of last year, Yorkville amended its Unified Development Ordinance to address the unique needs and potential impacts of data centers. These regulations encompass requirements for landscape buffering, building height restrictions, noise mitigation strategies, and aesthetic standards. All future data center proposals must adhere to these guidelines, ensuring a degree of consistency and control over development.

Contracts Approved: Sargent & Lundy and Soundscape Engineering

The recently approved contracts represent a further step in the city’s proactive approach. A $149,600 contract with Chicago-based Sargent & Lundy, LLC, will provide electrical engineering consulting services specifically for the CyrusOne data center substation project. Importantly, the costs associated with this contract will be borne by the developer, not the city’s general fund. This ensures that the financial burden of infrastructure improvements falls on the companies benefiting from the development.

The second contract, awarded to Soundscape Engineering, establishes an on-call acoustic consulting service. This will allow the city to independently review developers’ noise studies, conduct field inspections, and verify compliance with noise regulations. This is particularly crucial given resident concerns about noise pollution. Yorkville has previously utilized Soundscape Engineering for reviews of the Project Cardinal and Project Steel developments.

Did You Know?:

Addressing Resident Concerns and Promoting Transparency

City Administrator Bart Olson addressed resident concerns during the recent City Council meeting, clarifying several key points. He confirmed that diesel generator testing will be limited to weekdays and that developers are required to conduct multiple stages of noise studies, funded by the developers themselves. Olson also emphasized that data center developers are responsible for funding necessary extensions to water, sewer, and roadways.

Regarding potential impacts on property values, Olson acknowledged the possibility of advance property tax payments from developers to local school districts, with subsequent abatements. He also highlighted the city’s commitment to transparency, pointing to dedicated webpages for each data center proposal (city webpages for each data center proposal) and the ongoing consideration of annual public reporting on data center-related issues. While a community oversight committee isn’t currently planned, the City Council remains open to discussing the possibility.

What role should local governments play in balancing economic development with the concerns of their residents regarding large-scale infrastructure projects? And how can communities ensure that the benefits of such projects are shared equitably?

CyrusOne is a significant player in Yorkville’s data center landscape, with one site already approved and another proposed. The company also operates a data center property in nearby Aurora (CyrusOne in Aurora), further solidifying the region’s position as a data center hub.

Pro Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkville Data Centers

• What is driving the increase in data center development in Yorkville?

  Yorkville’s proximity to a major ComEd substation and the availability of suitable land make it an attractive location for data center developers seeking reliable power infrastructure and expansion opportunities.

• What steps is the city taking to address resident concerns about noise pollution from data centers?

  The city is requiring developers to conduct multiple stages of noise studies, funded by the developers, and has contracted with Soundscape Engineering to independently review these studies and verify compliance with noise regulations.

• Who is responsible for funding infrastructure improvements related to the data centers?

  Data center developers are responsible for paying for all necessary extensions to water, sewer, and roadways that serve their properties.

• What regulations are in place to govern the appearance and environmental impact of data centers in Yorkville?

  The city has amended its Unified Development Ordinance to include requirements for landscape buffering, building height restrictions, noise mitigation, and aesthetic standards.

• How is the city ensuring transparency regarding data center projects?

  The city maintains dedicated webpages for each data center proposal and is considering the implementation of annual public reporting on related issues.