Sheboygan residents pack data center forum to hear research on community impacts
Sheboygan residents packed a forum to hear research on the potential negative impacts of data centers on communities, expressing concerns despite no current projects in the city. The Sheboygan Common Council previously passed a one-year moratorium on data centers and is now considering zoning changes as a next step.
About 100 Sheboygan County residents attended the second educational speaker series session on data centers at Uptown Social in Sheboygan. The series was organized by city officials to address community concerns about potential data center developments, despite there being no projects currently underway within city limits.
The session featured University of Michigan Professor Ben Green, co-author of "What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town?" Green presented research on potential negative community impacts, including rising utility bills and a prevalence of temporary jobs. He emphasized the importance of negotiating community benefit agreements from a strong position, where the community can decline the project.
Sheboygan Common Council Member Alanza Grawien stated the series aims to educate residents on both the benefits and costs of such projects. Council President Susie Boorse confirmed that the Common Council passed a one-year moratorium on data centers in July and indicated that zoning changes might be the next course of action, noting the lack of mechanisms to permanently ban a lawful industry. Boorse also raised concerns about municipal staff signing non-disclosure agreements related to data center projects and encouraged residents to attend future sessions.