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Residents urge caution on data centers, battery manufacturing and economic incentives

Village of Manteno Board · April 7, 2026

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Summary

Several public commenters urged the village to study risks from data centers and battery-cell manufacturing, suggested county-led expert forums and questioned incentives for prospective industrial projects.

Multiple residents used public-comment time at the Manteno board meeting to press trustees to examine potential health and environmental risks tied to large industrial projects.

David Bergdahl recommended reviving planning capacity and suggested the county planning commission convene a forum on data centers, drawing on experience from nearby communities. Anne Gates described battery-cell manufacturing steps that can produce toxic off-gassing during electrolyte injection and activation and asked how the village would ensure safe handling and disposal. Gates cited a class-action settlement in another state she said totaled $20.5 million and recommended the village consider stronger review measures or a referendum for controversial large projects.

Trustees did not take immediate regulatory action at the meeting but several said they would pursue additional research, invite experts and consider committee review. The village administrator noted available grants to update comprehensive plans, and trustees suggested coordinating with county planners for broader community discussion.