Families in Naperville moved here for peace, clean air, and a safe place to raise their children—not for the hum of diesel generators and industrial-level noise in their backyard.

Yet that’s exactly what’s being proposed.

Karis Critical wants to build a 211,000-square-foot data center on the former Alcatel-Lucent site near Warrenville and Naperville roads. Their plan includes 24 diesel backup generators, tested monthly, right next to residential communities like Naper Commons, Fairmeadow, and Danada Woods. The company says these generators meet Tier 4 EPA standards—but health experts are warning that no level of diesel exposure is truly safe, especially for children and vulnerable residents with respiratory conditions.

Local parents, oncologists, and public health advocates have spoken up—loudly—about their concerns. The noise, emissions, and industrial-scale activity don’t belong near homes, schools, and playgrounds. This isn’t about rejecting progress—it’s about rejecting the idea that our families should bear the health and environmental costs of an energy-hungry industry.

Karis has offered a “stewardship pledge,” but it does little to address the real fears people have about air quality, noise pollution, and falling property values. The truth is: this project would fundamentally change the character of our neighborhoods—and not for the better.

We urge the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission and Naperville City Council to reject this variance and stop the data center from being built so close to homes. Our community deserves thoughtful development that puts people first, not data servers.

Sign this petition to stand with Naperville families and say no to industrial development in residential zones. Let’s protect our health, our homes, and the vision we were promised when we moved here.

Photo: Carolyn Stein/Naperville Sun