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Dear Neighbors
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A rare day goes by these days when I don’t get a question about data centers, especially the proposed T5 complex in Grayslake. Asking questions is healthy and I have many of my own. I’m doing my best to learn as much as I can about this proposed massive, 400-acre-plus complex on Peterson Road just west of Route 83.
Although Lake County did not approve construction of the T5 complex – nor were we involved in any aspect of it -- we are working on a proposed amendment to the County’s Unified Development Ordinance that would establish an eight-month moratorium on data center development in unincorporated Lake County.
The proposed moratorium, if approved by the Lake County Board, would provide Lake County time to evaluate data center impacts, help create future regulations and restrictions on data center development and serve as a model for other communities to follow.
The public hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18, at the Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road (just west of Milwaukee Avenue).
As I’ve stated before, this moratorium would only apply to unincorporated areas and is not applicable to the T5 development in Grayslake.
- Our Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) was initially involved in reviewing permits by T5 for filling in from 16 to 26 acres of wetlands on the site. The company has since issued a press release stating it has “volunteered to indefinitely suspend our permit application for wetland remediation.” Although it didn’t provide details, T5 said its plans have changed for the site. Under federal and local laws, if T5 alters or fills in wetlands, it’s required to mitigate the loss of those wetlands locally. According to our SMC, “The Village of Grayslake is a Certified Community and would be issuing the Watershed Development Permit for compliance with the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance. SMC may be involved for Isolated wetland approvals, as determined by the Enforcement Officer of Grayslake.”
- Data Centers are a national issue, with more than 1,500 proposed. Most residents near proposed sites demand responsible water use, stable electricity rates and environmental protection. A few weeks ago, I attended our National Association of Counties annual conference. Among other things, I learned a little more about data centers in other counties. I had a chance to talk to county commissioners from all over the country to discover how they were dealing with data centers. Generally, the results were mixed. Revenue promises for small, rural counties were seen as a boost to local economies and public programs. Commissioners from more urbanized areas were most concerned about noise, electricity rates and environmental impact. Some developers even directly negotiated with counties to provide “community benefit agreements” that would fund public human service programs and education.
- I also took part in a local data center forum and webinar sponsored by the Chicago Wilderness Alliance and attended a forum on data centers at the College of Lake County on Wednesday. Environmental, water and energy issues were prime concerns.
In an unrelated matter, the County Board approved the local siting application for Waste Management’s proposed Meadowview Material Transfer Facility adjacent to Countryside Landfill in Grayslake. Inside the new “Meadowview” building, Waste Management (WM), the owner-operator of the proposed facility, will load garbage from local disposal trucks onto larger vehicles to transport to other landfills. The Grayslake landfill is expected to close within two years. Here are some specific details about the new facility:
Situated on the south end of Rt. 83 near Peterson Road, the transfer station will occupy 11 acres of land. The site will also include a public recycling facility, which will accept cardboard, electronics, textiles/clothing/shoes and kitchen scraps. Although initial hours for the recycling facility were set at 6:30am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday and from 6:30am to 2pm on Saturday, I have requested an extension of those hours.
After two days of public hearings, which I attended, specific details on traffic, noise, odor and environmental concerns were reviewed. Based on the testimony given by company officials and consultants, the facility will have minimal impact regarding noise, odors and other environmental concerns. No objections were received during the public comment period.
The “green” facility will generate its own power and be designed as a “bird friendly” building. More importantly, the station will consolidate existing Grayslake recycling facilities, including the state’s largest electronics recycling center.
Overall, this facility has received rigorous vetting by our Solid Waste Agency (SWALCO), States Attorney and several other attorneys and county staff. Various systems for odor and fire safety will be installed. Waste Management will be responsible for litter control and overseen by the Lake County Health Department. The new building will not be visible east of Rt. 83, where most of the facility’s traffic will be routed.
If you live along Hainesville Road in the Highland/Round Lake area, progress is being made on our county’s Department of Transportation to improve the corridor. Vehicle and pedestrian safety is paramount in this project. A sidewalk and bike path along with turning lanes will be added. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.
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
Lake County Government News
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Public Hearing Scheduled on Proposed Data Center Moratorium in Unincorporated Areas
The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 18, at 1 p.m. at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, to consider text amendments and to gather public input on a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Lake County.
The public hearing will focus specifically on the proposed moratorium and the text amendments being considered to establish it. Members of the public are encouraged to provide input to the ZBA as they consider the proposal. To learn more and/or submit comments, read the full release.
Free Household Chemical Waste Collection Event on 8/29
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is hosting a mobile household chemical waste event on Saturday, August 29, at Mundelein Metra Station, 205 N Archer Avenue, Mundelein, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This event is free for Illinois residents, and appointments are required. A list of accepted items is available on their website.
Learn more about HCW events and schedule an appointment
Questions? Call SWALCO at 847-377-4950.
Hike Through History
This year, Hike Lake County recognizes America’s 250th anniversary with trails chosen for their historical connections.
From August 15–November 30, visitors who walk at least seven of the 12 designated trails will earn a free commemorative medallion. Information panels at select locations will share stories of the past. Details coming soon »
County Board Appoints New District 9 Member, Elects Vice-Chair
New Board Member, Brandon X Ewing was sworn in by Lake County Circuit Judge Reginald C. Mathews at the County Board Meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Following the recent passing of Vice-Chair Dr. Mary Ross-Cunningham, the Lake County Board welcomed a new member and selected a new Vice-Chair at the August Lake County Board Meeting
The County Board welcomed Brandon X. Ewing as the new representative for District 9. Ewing brings extensive experience in local government and community leadership, including nearly a decade on the Waukegan Board of Education, where he served as President from 2018 to 2024.
The Board also elected Jennifer Clark, District 15, to serve as Vice-Chair. Clark has been a longtime leader on the Board, serving as Chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and Technology Committee and championing transportation, infrastructure, technology and digital access initiatives.
We are grateful for Dr. Ross-Cunningham's years of service and the lasting impact she made on Lake County. We also welcome Member Ewing congratulate Vice-Chair Jennifer as they take on these important roles in service.
Jennifer Clark, District 15, was elected by the Board to serve as Vice-Chair.
August County Board Highlights
This month, the Board approved investments that will improve safety, strengthen essential services, support families and help build a healthier, more resilient Lake County. Here are a few highlights from the August meeting:
Hainesville Road Improvements Scheduled for 2027
Agreements with the Villages of Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Park and Avon Township were approved for the Hainesville Road improvement project from Washington Street to Rollins Road. Scheduled to begin next year, the project will feature a three-lane design to improve turning movements, along with drainage upgrades, a new bike path and sidewalk.
Juvenile Justice Council (JJC) Grant Accepted
Approved an $80,000 grant to the Lake County Juvenile Justice Council (JJC), a partnership of organizations and community members working to address the ongoing needs of at-risk youth. The grant will strengthen team training, expand community outreach and enhance programs that proactively support youth and prevent juvenile delinquency.
Additional Funding for Affordable Housing Projects
Approved an amendment to the County’s 2026 Annual Action Plan, allocating additional federal funding to support affordable housing projects. The amendment includes funding for Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) and Housing Opportunity Development Corp. (HODC) to acquire two affordable rental properties, support the new construction of Lake Forest Senior Cottages (CPAH), and rehabilitation of the Full Circle Communities owned Liberty Lake Apartments in Lake Zurich.
Supporting Voter Services
Approved a five-year contract to provide voting tabulation systems and related services for the Lake County Clerk’s Office. The system supports ballot creation, vote tabulation and accessible voting options.
Meadowview Material Transfer Facility
The County Board approved the local siting application for Waste Management’s proposed Meadowview Material Transfer Facility adjacent to Countryside Landfill in Grayslake. The approximately 11-acre project will include an enclosed waste transfer facility, where locally collected garbage will be consolidated and transported to other landfills, as well as a public recycling center. The approval allows Waste Management to request a development permit from the Illinois EPA and building and site development permits from Lake County.
County Board Members Advance Local Priorities at National NACo Conference
County Board members recently attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in New Orleans, where they advocated federal policies that address local challenges, shared best practices and strengthened partnerships.
During the conference, Lake County introduced and advanced several policy resolutions that were adopted by NACo and will now become part of the organization’s advocacy efforts at the federal level. Lake County’s resolutions focused on issues where federal support and collaboration can help local governments better serve residents.
Read the full release to learn more.
First PADS Shelter Ribbon Cutting Opening a Gathering of Hope
Community partners gathered on August 7 to celebrate an important milestone for families experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Pathways Shelter, Lake County’s first fixed-site shelter, located in Waukegan.
The new facility will provide a safe place for individuals and families to stay while connecting them with housing, food, health care and other supportive services. The new permanent shelter provides a dedicated space where families can find support and work toward stable housing. It also represents what can happen when local partners come together to address a critical need in our community.
This project was made possible in part through an $11 million collaborative investment, including $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding from Lake County. Thank you to PADS Lake County and everyone who helped make Pathways Shelter a reality.
Celebrating the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program!
This summer, over 130 Lake County youth made strides toward their future careers!
The Summer Youth Employment Program is an annual program for teens aged 14 - 18 to gain hands-on experience at worksites across the County, coordinated by Lake County Workforce Development and funded by the Lake County Board.
For the second consecutive year, the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative supported the program by teaching youth about online safety, media literacy, job applications and the tactical skills needed for their future careers. Each student who completed required workshops and met certain eligibility requirements earned a laptop to take home and continue their learning.
Congratulations to the Lake County teens who completed the Summer Youth Employment Program this year!
A group photo of six Lake County teens who completed the Summer Youth Employment Program.
Want to improve your digital skills? Connect with the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative to explore upcoming computer courses and technology help. Call (847) 377-3442, email digitalnavigators@lakecountyil.gov or visit www.lakecountyil.gov/broadband
ROC 1st Anniversary – County's First Net-Zero Building Calculated Success
Located in Libertyville, Lake County government’s first and only Net-Zero building, the Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) Facility, opened last July. Powered by solar power and geothermal energy, the building consumes no more energy than it produces from renewable sources, resulting in significant operational savings.
The building was designed to conserve energy in every way feasible. It was built with highly insulated walls, LED lights, state-of-the-art mechanical systems and occupancy sensors. After its first year in service, the ROC, which tracks real-time energy use to monitor energy utilization, saved 1148.11 Metric Tonnes of CO2e from being emitted because of the solar array. That is over 2% of total County emissions being avoided.
Coroner's Office Highlights Compassionate Family Support at National Conference
While the Lake County Coroner's Office is best known for investigating deaths, its work also includes supporting families during some of life's most difficult moments. The Coroner's Office recently presented at the 2026 International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners Annual Conference on its partnership with Missing Pieces, which connects families who have lost a child with grief navigation services.
The presentation showcased Lake County's innovative, family-centered approach to supporting grieving families, while providing a model that other agencies can consider in supporting families in their communities.
Forest Preserves News
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Brant Leads Preservation Foundation
Ryan Brant joined the Lake County Forest Preserves as executive director of the Preservation Foundation, its nonprofit charitable partner. He brings more than 20 years of leadership, fundraising and business development experience.
Brant will lead efforts to expand philanthropic support for Forest Preserves projects and programs, including the Every Acre Strong campaign to build a $20 million endowment for long-term care of the preserves.
Free Admission Honors Lake County Historian
Celebrate Bess Bower Dunn Day with free admission and special programs from 10 am–4:30 pm Sunday, August 23, at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville.
Lake County’s first official historian, Dunn spent 60 years documenting local history and preserving artifacts. GlenRock Pop will also be available for purchase. Learn more »
Free Music Takes Center Stage at Afrofest
Enjoy a full lineup of live performances celebrating African heritage during Afrofest from 2–7 pm Saturday, August 15, at Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Chicago R&B singer Mike De’Cole headlines the free outdoor festival, which also features local food vendors.
Performances by DWill, Andrea Gomez, JaMia Àna and Men of the City fill out the lineup. Bring a lawn chair, blanket or picnic. Read 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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