Tensions are building in the village of Caledonia, Wisconsin, where Microsoft has proposed the construction of its third data center in Racine County, a plan that is facing strong opposition from local residents.
During an informational meeting this past Wednesday, a number of Caledonia inhabitants expressed their discontent with the potential rezoning of 244 acres of land near Douglas Avenue and County Line Road, an area currently featuring wetlands and residential properties and the Oak Creek Power Plant; "We didn't move here for big buildings and data centers and AI," Laurie Chen told WISN, vocalizing a sentiment shared by many in the community.
Despite the concerns voiced, some residents, such as Mick Moore, foresee economic benefits from the data center saying, "Just the financial impact is going to be significant," in a sentiment captured by WISN. Microsoft has offered assurances about its community commitment, stating that it aims to "contribute to a sustainable future, advance prosperity and well-being, and operate responsibly as a good neighbor," but the company is also hosting another public hearing scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Caledonia Village Hall, as reported by both WISN and Urban Milwaukee.
Uncertainty loomed among the community members after the plans were initially disclosed, as the identity of the project's operator was not immediately revealed, ending finally when Caledonia Village President Thomas Weatherston confirmed to WPR that Microsoft was indeed behind the data center proposal, "We’re still early in the game," Weatherston said describing the current state of the plans, which hinges largely on the rezoning approval. Debby Palmer, a long-time resident and owner of a nearby horse farm, is leading a visual protest with "no rezone no data center" signs, and emphasized to Urban Milwaukee that "People move out here to be in the country," advocating for officials to vote against the rezoning proposal.
Meanwhile, the plan's transparency has been questioned by residents like Becky Girard who, during a public hearing, pointedly asked, "Why did it take so long for this to be told to the public," with her concerns aired during a meeting covered by Urban Milwaukee; at the same time, the Village of Caledonia Plan Commission is preparing for a potential vote on the matter and frustrations were similarly amplified after a neighborhood meeting where, despite a turnout that suggested extensive interest in dialogue about the project, many attendees left feeling their questions went unanswered as reported by FOX6Now.
