Foundry Works battery energy storage facility
Summary
Inventergy wants to rezone 40 acres near the NIPSCO substation for a battery storage yard — separate from, but adjacent to, the data center fight. Safety questions about lithium fires and a church's noise concerns dominated; it goes to the council with no recommendation.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Developer projects over $30 million in lifetime property taxes and 100-plus construction jobs.
Landowners with solar leases, union construction trades, and county tax recipients.
The adjacent Presbyterian congregation and neighbors concerned about fire risk, hydrogen fluoride gas and cumulative industrialization.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Lake County Board of Zoning Appeals - Oct 21, 2026
A $300 million battery storage project near State Road 2 and Clay Street promises big tax revenue, union construction jobs, and grid benefits — but neighbors worry about fire safety, stormwater contamination, and incomplete emergency notifications. The BZA approved it with conditions on drainage, basin lining, and third-party water testing.
Lake County Plan Commission - Oct 21, 2026
A $300 million battery storage plant near SR 2 and Clay Street cleared a major hurdle. Neighbors' stormwater and groundwater worries drove new conditions: a clay pond liner, shutoff valves, contamination testing, and another round of neighbor notice before site plan review.
Lake County Board of Zoning Appeals - Sep 16, 2026
A large battery energy storage system near Clay Street in Creek Township has been kicked down the road again. It comes back October 21 if the Plan Commission forwards it.
Lake County Plan Commission - Sep 16, 2026
A 200-megawatt battery storage project in Eagle Creek Township that would bring an estimated $38 million in property taxes over 20 years, but neighbors worry about fire risk, noise, chemical containment, and drainage on marsh-like soils. Commissioners deferred the decision a month to get more answers.
Lake County Council - Jun 9, 2026
The council rezoned farmland for a data center and a battery storage facility, both over community objections and one without a Plan Commission recommendation. Residents fear health effects, dried wells, noise and lost farmland; officials point to the special exception process and county ordinances as remaining safeguards.
Lake County Plan Commission - May 20, 2026
Inventergy wants to rezone 40 acres near the NIPSCO substation for a battery storage yard — separate from, but adjacent to, the data center fight. Safety questions about lithium fires and a church's noise concerns dominated; it goes to the council with no recommendation.
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