Cloverleaf Infrastructure officials answer data center questions in Wrightstown
Officials from Cloverleaf Infrastructure, a real estate development company, met with Wrightstown village officials and residents to discuss their proposed data center project, facing strong community pushback over transparency and potential impacts. Residents expressed concerns about the project's financial benefits, land use, and environmental health effects, while also pushing for a moratorium on data center developments. The village board is considering a non-binding referendum for residents to vote on whether to continue collecting information on data centers.
Officials from Cloverleaf Infrastructure, a real estate development company, recently held a meeting in Wrightstown, Wisconsin, to address community concerns regarding a potential data center project. Chief Development Officer Aaron Bilyeu and Vice President of Power and Utilities Nur Bernhardt answered questions, acknowledging widespread pushback in communities where they operate. Residents, including Nick Sagal, criticized the company's transparency, noting that communications between Cloverleaf Infrastructure and Village Administrator Travis Coenen had been ongoing since January without public knowledge.
The meeting also featured expert speakers, including former tech executive Prescott Balch, who questioned the financial benefits and land use implications of data centers, suggesting they could stunt village growth. An epidemiologist from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services raised concerns about the environmental and health impacts. Bilyeu defended current data center designs, stating that many concerns are based on outdated development standards. He confirmed the company's attempts to buy land in the Wrightstown area have so far been unsuccessful.
Wrightstown residents are actively opposing the project, with some expressing skepticism about Cloverleaf Infrastructure's long-term commitment to the community. They have started a petition calling for a moratorium on data center projects, citing similar actions taken by Manitowoc County and the Village of Greenville. On Wednesday night, the village's board is scheduled to decide whether to place a non-binding advisory referendum on the August ballot, asking residents if they wish for the village to continue exploring data center opportunities.