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Residents press DeKalb Council on wildlife, noise and utility impacts during Project Vector hearing
Summary
At a packed Dec. 8 public hearing on Project Vector, residents and advocates raised questions about habitat loss, noise, lighting, unproven cooling technology and potential rate and grid impacts; developers and consultants presented mitigation measures including a closed‑loop propylene‑glycol cooling system, TurboCell backup power and a 3‑D noise model showing levels below local limits.
Dozens of residents and local stakeholders spoke during a Dec. 8 public hearing about Project Vector, a proposed four‑building data center slated for roughly 560 acres along Illinois Route 23. Speakers delivered a mix of support and opposition while pressing the council and developer for more technical detail and binding protections before permits are issued.
Wildlife and environment: Kathy Stelford, founder of Oak and Acres Wildlife Center, told council of a nearby bald‑eagle nest and said the project’s footprint and associated light and noise could reduce hunting territory and harm fledgling birds. "These are your neighbors too," Stelford said, calling for stronger wildlife protections.
Residents described potential quality‑of‑life harms. Michelle Miguel, a neighbor in Southpoint Greens, said the closest data‑hall corner would be about 600 feet from her home and voiced concerns about constant 24/7 background noise and inadequate berming near her property. "I just don't wanna hear this at my home," Miguel said, urging…
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