Greenleaf passes resolution to protect against data center projects

The Greenleaf, Wisconsin village board has passed a resolution that gives residents the final say on any future data center projects in their community. The resolution states that the village's current zoning rules do not allow for data centers, and any zoning change to permit them would require 15% of registered voters to sign a petition. If that signature threshold is reached, the zoning change would then be put to a public vote for residents to approve or reject. Greenleaf village president Bonnie Crossman said this resolution puts the decision in the hands of the community. Resident Julie Carter, who has been vocal in opposing data centers in the area, said the resolution was a good start but did not go far enough, as she would have liked to see an outright moratorium on data center projects. The nearby town of Wrightstown also discussed a similar resolution at their Wednesday night meeting, but ultimately decided to table the vote and discussion for a future meeting. The Greenleaf resolution is seen as an effort to deter future data center development in the area by empowering residents to have the final say through a public vote.