Questions abound at Vantage event
A Vantage Data Centers, Oracle, and OpenAI Lighthouse Campus is under construction in Port Washington, Wisconsin, and has generated community concern. A recent "community conversation" event allowed residents to ask questions about the project's impact on roads, environment, and resource use, though some left frustrated. The companies plan further community engagement.
For months, the $15 billion Vantage Data Centers Lighthouse Campus, set to include four data center buildings totaling 2.5 million square feet, has been under construction on 672 acres on Port Washington, Wisconsin's north side. The campus, a joint effort between Vantage, Oracle, and OpenAI, is part of the "Stargate project" for next-generation artificial intelligence data centers and is slated for completion in 2028.
Recently, several hundred Port Washington residents attended a "community conversation" event at Inventors Brewpub to pose questions to representatives from Vantage, Oracle, and OpenAI. The project has been contentious, leading to security measures like metal detectors at the event. Residents raised concerns about construction traffic, environmental impacts, and water and electricity usage. Dean Wiegert, a Town of Port resident, specifically highlighted traffic issues on Highway LL, to which Vantage's environment, safety, and health manager Ramon Perez responded by promising to address workers about traffic rules.
Beatrice Fullan, Oracle’s vice president of community relations, stated the event aimed to provide information and ease tensions, emphasizing the companies' desire for dialogue with the community. She also spoke about the potential of AI, particularly in medicine and food growth, and the range of long-term job opportunities—around 1,000—expected at the campus upon its 2028 opening. Despite the stated purpose, some residents, including filmmaker Jonathan Klett and Kim Tydrick, reported being asked to leave while attempting an interview, though Vantage Vice President Mark Freeman clarified that an interview was paused due to distress and follow-up questions were answered. The companies plan to hold additional community conversations.