Data center dust, noise fight continues near Port Washington
Residents in Port Washington, Wisconsin, are experiencing significant disruptions, including dust, noise, and spotlights, from a massive data center project developed by Vantage, Oracle, and OpenAI. Despite an open house where residents spoke with company representatives, many feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed, highlighting ongoing community opposition.
Residents in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, particularly those near Port Washington, are expressing ongoing frustration over the construction of a massive 672-acre data center campus. The project, involving companies Vantage, Oracle, and OpenAI, has significantly impacted daily life for many, with issues ranging from constant construction traffic and pervasive dirt to new nuisances like bright spotlights illuminating the entire construction area at night.
Chris Harnish, a local resident, described the continuous dirt and construction as disruptive. Another resident, Curtis, noted that while 24/7 construction ended in April, the new problem of constant spotlights on gates has emerged. An open house was held on Thursday, allowing residents to speak directly with representatives from Vantage, Oracle, and OpenAI, though news cameras were not permitted on the same level as the conversations. Many residents felt their concerns were not being truly heard, with one person recalling a representative saying, "I'll remember that" instead of taking notes.
Vantage representatives stated that the project is well on track, with the first phase expected to be complete in 2028. They committed to meeting with town and city leaders monthly to provide updates and address concerns, and encouraged residents to continue reaching out via their Lighthouse Wisconsin website. However, the community continues to grapple with the project's impact, indicating ongoing opposition.