Wisconsin Rapids rejects permit for data center
The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council voted 7-0 to reject PNK Group's conditional-use permit for a proposed hyperscale data center at the former paper mill site. The decision followed months of organized opposition over the application, noise, and possible energy-cost impacts, while the city remains under a one-year data center moratorium.
The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council unanimously rejected PNK Group's conditional-use permit for a hyperscale data center proposed at the city's former paper mill site. The decision followed months of protests, informational meetings and criticism from South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development, which argued that the application was incomplete and raised concerns about noise and energy costs.
Mayor Matt Zacher said the vote was not opposition to all data centers but reflected the city's desire to ensure future projects are properly planned. Wisconsin Rapids enacted a one-year moratorium on data center proposals on Oct. 9, with an option to extend it to 18 months, giving the city time to review and potentially revise its ordinance.