Planning commission votes to recommend denial of data center permit
The Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission unanimously recommended denying a permit for DC Rapids LLC to redevelop an old paper mill site into a data center. This decision is seen as a win by a local neighborhood group, while local trade unions advocated for the jobs the project would create. The city is also in the process of drafting a data center moratorium, which could further impact the project.
The Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission has unanimously recommended the city council deny a permit application from DC Rapids LLC to convert an old paper mill site into a data center. The commission's 7-0 vote was a recommendation to deny the conditional use permit (CUP) application, citing 33 identified shortcomings.
The final decision on the application will be made at a future common council meeting, which has not yet been scheduled. DC Rapids LLC still has the option to reapply for the permit after addressing the city's concerns. This process could be further complicated by a proposed data center moratorium that Wisconsin Rapids is currently drafting, following a vote last month.
Kaitlyn Federwitz, leader of a local neighborhood group, expressed satisfaction with the planning commission's decision, stating that the CUP application was incomplete. Conversely, local trade unions voiced support for the project, highlighting the employment opportunities that data center construction would bring to the area.
Mayor Matt Zacher emphasized the importance of ensuring due diligence to protect community safety and indicated his commitment to working with the community for appropriate solutions.