Hoffman Estates Data Center Proposal Withdrawn After Backlash

Karis Critical withdrew its request to rezone the 185- to 186-acre Plum Farms site in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, for a proposed data center after organized opposition from residents in Hoffman Estates, South Barrington, Barrington Hills, and nearby areas.

The Hoffman Estates Plan Commission had voted 4-2 against recommending the zoning change, while residents questioned the project’s scale, environmental impacts, water use, and the extent of prior discussions between village staff and the developer. The withdrawal pauses the proposal but leaves open the possibility of a more detailed application and adds pressure for clearer disclosure and a formal role for neighboring communities in data center approvals.