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Dear Neighbor, |
As you can imagine, I’m getting daily inquiries on the T5 data center in Grayslake. It’s good to ask questions. I’m pleased to say that Lake County is taking some action on these facilities going forward.
On Tuesday, our board voted to temporarily freeze applications for data centers. Thanks to our excellent planning and building department for researching how to best regulate these facilities. Please note two things, though: 1) When and if we approve an ordinance, it will only apply to new facilities in unincorporated Lake County. 2) While the ordinance can take the form of a “model” ordinance for municipalities, it’s a voluntary measure for towns and villages – if they even choose to adopt it.
We have no power to stop or regulate projects (like the T5 center) within municipalities. The T5 Center was approved exclusively by the Village of Grayslake. Lake County government had no involvement in this specific approval nor did it have jurisdiction over Grayslake.
This is what we are examining in careful detail:
- We are amending our Unified Development Ordinance, which governs new construction in unincorporated Lake County.
- Currently, data centers are not defined nor specifically regulated by Lake County Ordinances, despite a growing trend of data center development nationwide. Effective regulation of data centers requires a full evaluation of any potential environmental and community impacts as well as a full assessment of best practiced-based approaches to regulating them. County staff will draft a proposed text amendment and schedule a public hearing before our Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
- A temporary moratorium on data centers of up to 8 months would allow needed time for research into this complex land use topic. Our County Zoning Board of Appeals Board (ZBA) will conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments related to the data center freeze in unincorporated Lake County.
- Our County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is also working with the Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether T5 is filling in valuable wetlands on or near their site. If so, T5 is required to follow an extensive Army Corps process that involves a public hearing and possible inspection by SMC. As a federal agency responsible for regulating inland wetlands and streams, the Army Corps has final say on issuing a permit for wetland filling and mitigation.
- The Army Corps is also requesting a “soil erosion and sediment control plan” be submitted by T5, which will be reviewed by SMC. Other details such as construction drawings and “the area to be impacted, the acreage of impact, and whether the impact is temporary or permanent” are requested. In other words, a much more comprehensive environmental impact study is needed.
Last week, Gov. Pritzker said his office will pause tax breaks for construction of data centers in our state after July 1. The General Assembly considered legislation on data centers, but failed to pass a law before the May 31st deadline. The so-called POWER Act may be reintroduced in the Fall Veto Session or next year. Contact your state representatives to see where they stand.
I strongly support our county data center permit freeze and research into how to best regulate these facilities. This fast-moving technology is loaded with promise and perils. We need to take some time to impose some meaningful guardrails.
In other county infrastructure news, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) greenlighted future improvements to Cedar Lake Road that will include a multi-use path. The department is also considering improving the intersection at Center Street and Atkinson in Grayslake and resurfacing Fairfield Road from Nippersink to Route 60. These improvements are part of the LCDOT’s five-year plan, which includes considering a grade crossing for Peterson Road at the Canadian National Railroad tracks.
Our board also approved appropriating $9.6 million in motor fuel tax funds for necessary land acquisition for the ongoing Cedar Lake Road realignment project from Hart Road to Nippersink Road. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
 In the Highland Lake area, a $538,600 contract was approved for the reconstruction of the Gerwal Well House. It’s part of a larger project that began in 2023 to provide upgrades to the water system and more storage capacity.
 Forest Preserve News
Our Forest Preserve Board approved two budget items in its capital improvement plan: $1.3 million to relieve flooding on the Millennium Trail in Rollins Savanna and a $1 million planning grant for the former Rt. 53 corridor, where we hope to create a Greenway. We are still awaiting news on land transfers from the Illinois Department of Transportation so we can move forward on this much-needed project.
My colleagues on the forest preserve board of commissioners agreed to a “de minimus” measure that allows the Waukegan Port District to possibly cut down or trim up to 800 trees in the Waukegan Savanna Preserve adjoining the Waukegan Airport. I voted against this designation twice. I believe eliminating trees will have significant negative impact on our county’s environment. Only two other commissioners joined me in opposing the plan.
I opposed the measure since we never received a complete environmental assessment nor a public hearing on the airport’s impact on nearby forest preserve land and air quality. Mature trees that filter pollution, CO2 and store stormwater would be lost. Waukegan air quality, which is rated “F” by the American Lung Association, may get worse. That’s harmful for anyone with respiratory or cardiovascular maladies.
The Waukegan Port District, which runs the airport, needed clearance for take-offs and landings, which they called an “avigation” easement for safety reasons. While the Port District has promised to replace the trees, it will take decades for them to reach maturity. They did not offer an alternative that would avoid sacrificing the trees or mitigate harmful air quality and noise.
Local Residents Honored
Congratulations to our local Lake County America 250 Art & Essay Contest winner Arya M. She is a talented 2nd grade student who won for her beautiful art piece shown below symbolizing our country’s history. Heartfelt thanks to all who entered our countywide competition, their parents and teachers. The winning students received recognition at our county board meeting on Tuesday.
 Finally, congratulations to our neighbor Dale Shields for being recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer for the Forest Preserve. Dale not only works in our Rollins Savanna seed nursery, he’s taken more than 6,000 pictures for our natural resources team. He also co-authored a native seed guide with Kelly Schultz, our extraordinary volunteer leader and ecologist (available in the Dunn Museum gift shop). Bravo to Dale, Kelly and our superb volunteers.
I am honored to serve you. If you have an immediate need for county services, please call 2-1-1. You can reach me directly at JWasik@lakecountyil.gov.
Be Well,
John
John Wasik
Lake County Board Member, District 6
View My County Board Member Web Page
Lake County Government News
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Lake County Initiates Public Hearing on Temporary Moratorium for Data Centers in Unincorporated Areas
As interest in data center development continues to grow nationwide, the Lake County Board has initiated a public hearing process on a proposed temporary moratorium for data centers in unincorporated Lake County. Currently, data centers are not specifically defined or regulated under the Lake County Code, and the proposed moratorium would allow time for the County to evaluate this emerging land use topic, review best practices and assess potential infrastructure and environmental considerations. The public hearing on the temporary moratorium will be scheduled for later this summer.
Learn more
Deerfield Road Set for Construction
The Lake County Board approved a set of resolutions that paves the way for construction to begin later this year on the Deerfield Road Improvement Project, spanning from IL 21 to Saunders/Riverwoods Road. More than 10 years in the making, the project is designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion during peak travel times, expand stormwater management infrastructure and improve non-motorized connectivity.
The project includes the reconstruction of Deerfield Road, intersection improvements at IL 21, Portwine Road and Saunders/Riverwoods Road and a three-lane curbed roadway from the Des Plaines River to Saunders/Riverwoods Road with multi-use path and drainage improvements.
Join the Celebration of the Declaration of Independence
Lake County is hosting a Celebration of the Declaration of Independence to cap off our America 250 initiative. Join us on July 8 at noon in Lincoln Plaza at the Waukegan Administrative Complex for a special live reading of the Declaration of Independence and a history lesson from a local historian to mark America's founding and 250th anniversary.
Take part in the grand finale of Lake County’s America 250 celebration!
Art and Essay Contest Winners Announced
The Winners of the American 250 Student Art and Essay contest were announced and recognized at the County Board Meeting on June 9. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade were invited to share what America 250 means to them through art and writing. Every submission reflected the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary and the talent of Lake County’s young people. Thank you to all participants, and congratulations to the winners!
View winning entries
Independence Academy Program Graduation and Recap
Congratulations to our Lake County Independence Academy graduates!
As part of Lake County’s America 250 Celebration, the Lake County Independence Academy was created to engage residents of all ages to learn how County government puts the principles of the Declaration of Independence into practice every day.
Watch this quick video to learn more about the program, services and topics covered through the Academy and see how county government connects national ideals to everyday life while inspiring residents to help shape the County’s future. Thank you to everyone who participated.
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month
The Lake County Board acknowledged the work and impact of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and their Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) with a special recognition at their June Board Meeting.
Gun Violence Awareness Month is about remembrance, restoration, and reimagining what safety looks like in our communities. The GVPI works to address the root causes of violence through community-centered strategies that build safer environments from the ground up.
The GVPI is hosting its first GVPI Summer Day of Service, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 27 at Foss Park, 1730 Lewis Avenue, North Chicago, as part of their Gun Violence Awareness Month actions. Lead by the idea, “When we care for our spaces, we care for our people,” this day of service is meant to bring the community together to shift narratives, restore pride and show what prevention looks like in real time. All ages are welcome. Free food, music and games will be provided.
Workforce Development Recipient of the Relentless Hope Award
Lake County Workforce Development was honored to receive the Relentless Hope Award from the Legacy Reentry Foundation Relentless on Saturday, June 6 in recognition of the strong partnership established to support justice-impacted individuals, and adults and young adults in need of workforce services.
This award reflects a shared commitment to creating equitable pathways to employment, economic mobility, and long-term self-sufficiency for individuals seeking a second chance. Through this collaboration, Lake County Workforce Development has worked alongside Legacy Reentry Foundation to connect participants with comprehensive workforce services, career development opportunities, and supportive resources designed to remove barriers to employment.
The Relentless Hope Award recognizes not only organizational partnership but also a shared belief that every individual deserves access to meaningful employment opportunities and a pathway toward economic independence. Together, Legacy Reentry Foundation and Lake County Workforce Development continue to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can transform lives, strengthen families, and contribute to safer, more prosperous communities.
SWALCO hosting mobile HCW event on July 18
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is hosting a mobile household chemical waste event on Saturday, July 18, at Lake Zurich High School (300 Church Street, Lake Zurich, IL 60047) from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. This event is free for Illinois residents, and appointments are required. View the list of accepted items online.
Questions? Call SWALCO at 847-377-4950.
Watch the 2026 Police Memorial Ceremony
Last month the Lake County Sheriff’s Office held their annual Police Memorial at Lincoln Plaza in Waukegan. The event honored 20 law enforcement heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the people of Lake County.
Law enforcement personnel and community members from throughout the County gathered to recognize and pay tribute to those who were honored during the ceremony.
Watch the ceremony online.
Forest Preserves News
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Summer Concert Series Returns
Concerts in the Plaza returns to Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville with nine Tuesday evening performances through August 4. This year’s lineup highlights tributes to The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac along with blues, country and reggae.
As part of the Forest Preserves' America 250 celebration, Chicago legend Wayne Messmer will perform the National Anthem and “God Bless America” on June 30. Entrance is $20 per vehicle starting at 4:30 pm on event nights. See Lineup »
Summer Horizons Now Available
Explore the wonders of The Lake Plan Coastal Preserves along Lake Michigan, find an upcoming firefly program, and learn what the Independence Grove Marina has to offer in the summer issue of Horizons magazine.
The free, award-winning quarterly magazine produced by the Lake County Forest Preserves features stories about nature, history, recreation, conservation and more. Read Now »
History, Nature and Community Await
The Forest Preserves is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a yearlong series of exhibitions, programs, walks and outdoor experiences.
Organized around the themes of history, nature and community, the initiative connects national history to Lake County while highlighting the people, places and stories that shaped the region. Learn More »
Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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The public is welcome to attend all Lake County Board and committee meetings in person at the Lake County Administrative Tower, 18 N. County St., Waukegan or may attend meetings remotely using the registration link on the front page of each meeting’s agenda.
Individuals attending meetings in person or remotely may present their public comments during the meeting. Those not in attendance may provide written public comment via email or by mail. View the meeting schedule.
Lake County Board and committee meetings after July 8, 2024 are available to view online with English captions or subtitles (written translation into another language). Captions and subtitles are created automatically with artificial intelligence (AI) software. Access to automated captions and subtitles is being provided for viewer convenience and is not to be considered official transcription or translation of the meeting. Watch County Board meetings, including standing committee meeting
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