After public outcry, Menomonie will release draft guidelines for data center project

The city of Menomonie, Wisconsin, is preparing to release draft zoning guidelines for a 320-acre data center project following significant public opposition. Mayor Matthew Crowe announced that the "I-4 ordinance," which is tied to industrial zoning regulations, will be reviewed by the City Council on August 3, though no vote is scheduled. The project has been controversial since debates began in 2025, with residents expressing concerns over secrecy and the city's use of nondisclosure agreements with the developer.

Developer Balloonist LLC, registered in 2024, proposed the $1.6 billion project, which would be built in two phases over four to seven years. While proponents claim it will bring jobs and economic benefits, residents like Derek DeGross, a member of the 10,000-strong "Stop the Menomonie Data Center" Facebook group, are skeptical of the return on investment. The proposed ordinance aims to address worries by setting requirements for building heights, setbacks, light and noise pollution, and water use, with an estimated daily water consumption of 75,000 gallons.

DeGross, however, fears the ordinance might only serve as a superficial gesture, allowing the developer to proceed by checking off requirements without genuinely addressing community concerns. Although the city temporarily paused tax negotiations with the developer due to pushback, the project itself has not been halted. The article also references a Brookings Institution report on data center employment, suggesting that long-term local benefits are often moderate and construction jobs are frequently filled by out-of-area companies.