Data center developer shows plans at two local events
Panattoni Development unveiled conceptual plans for a 2 million-square-foot data center campus spanning the towns of Beloit and Turtle in Rock County, Wisconsin. The $1 billion project is proposed for a former rock quarry site, and the developer addressed concerns about water and power usage, claiming the data centers would use less water and cause less noise/traffic than the quarry operations. Local officials and residents expressed both interest in potential economic benefits and strong opposition due to environmental impacts and property value concerns.
Panattoni Development, a California-based company, presented conceptual plans for a sprawling 2 million-square-foot data center campus across 430 acres in the towns of Beloit and Turtle, Wisconsin, at two local events. The proposed $1 billion development would involve two buildings, each over 1 million square feet, and an additional 112,000 square feet of administrative space, with a five-year construction timeline.
Brock Tomlinson of Panattoni Development highlighted the project's potential environmental benefits, estimating that the data centers would use 40,000 to 50,000 gallons of water daily, significantly less than the 100,000 gallons per day currently used by Rock Road Companies at the existing quarry site. He also suggested reduced noise and traffic compared to current quarry operations. Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analytics projected substantial economic impacts, including $636.7 million in direct and indirect economic activity during construction and an estimated $6.5 million in annual property tax revenue for local entities like the towns of Turtle and Beloit, Rock County, Blackhawk Technical College, and the Turner School District.
Despite the presentation, residents and local officials voiced concerns. About 50 protesters, including Town of Beloit residents Connie and John Turner and City of Beloit resident Jennifer Johnson, demonstrated outside the event, citing worries about increased utility bills, water usage, pollution, and diminished property values. John Turner, president of the Turner School Board, also expressed skepticism about the long-term financial benefits for the school district, referencing a past instance where state aid decreased after a local tax-increment district, including an Amazon facility, expired.
Tim Kienbaum, Town of Beloit community development director, indicated that the town is in the early stages of vetting the information provided by Panattoni, emphasizing the need to verify figures before making any decisions. Tomlinson reiterated that no agreements have been made, and the purpose of the events was to introduce the company and its plans to the community.