Port Washington data center site; city to limit outdoor construction work hours

The City of Port Washington Plan Commission, in a unanimous vote on March 19, approved an amendment to the building, site, and operations plan for a local data center project. This amendment, proposed by Mayor Ted Neitzke IV, will limit outdoor construction activities to a 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. window, effective April 18. The previous plan allowed for 24-hour weekday construction. The decision was a direct response to complaints from nearby residents regarding the disruption caused by overnight work. Mayor Neitzke stated that while 24-hour outdoor construction was initially temporary to speed up the project, the inconvenience to residents outweighed the benefits, and the disruptive overnight work needed to end. Local reports indicate significant ongoing public opposition to the data center project. This includes a recall petition filed against Mayor Neitzke following the arrest of three women at a city council meeting, an incident described as a "tipping point" by opponents. Additionally, a grassroots group has announced a lawsuit against the City of Port Washington, alleging open meetings violations tied to the controversial data center project, claims which the city has denied.