Wisconsin Rapids to hold public hearing on proposed data center, conditional use permit
Wisconsin Rapids is holding a public hearing regarding a proposed hyperscale data center at the old paper mill site. The meeting will address a conditional use permit for PNK Group, and there's strong community opposition with discussions of a stronger ordinance and a possible moratorium.
A public hearing is scheduled for tonight in Wisconsin Rapids regarding a proposed hyperscale data center at the former paper mill site. The meeting is expected to draw a large crowd, reflecting months of public discussion, drama, and even previously canceled meetings due to anticipated attendance.
The focus of the hearing is a conditional use permit submitted by PNK Group, which would allow for the development of the data center near the Wisconsin River. Residents have been vocal about their concerns and disapproval of the project, leading to the meeting being moved to a larger venue, the Wisconsin Rapids Middle School auditorium.
Mayor expressed efforts to distance the city government from PNK Group, emphasizing that the developer must adhere to all city regulations. Discussions at the meeting are expected to include a potentially stronger ordinance, and the possibility of a moratorium or referendum, though a referendum is currently deemed not to fit according to statutes. Reporter Chase Kamosha will cover the meeting live from Wisconsin Rapids.