Town hall about data centers hosted in Rock County on Tuesday
A town hall meeting was held in Rock County, Wisconsin, to discuss two proposed data center projects in Janesville and the Town of Beloit. Local residents and opposition groups expressed concerns about environmental impacts and advocated for responsible development. Town officials in Beloit have signed a pre-development agreement, while Janesville's City Council approved a planning consultant for its project.
A town hall meeting took place in Rock County, Wisconsin, at Blackhawk Technical College, drawing hundreds of residents concerned about two proposed data center projects in the area. One project is slated for Janesville, and another for a 430-acre gravel pit in the Town of Beloit, both less than eight miles apart. The event was organized by a local group, "No Beloit Data Center," which aims to keep neighbors informed and ensure their voices are heard regarding the developments.
April Carlson, a volunteer with "Rock Co. Neighbors for Responsible Development," who lives within six miles of the proposed Town of Beloit site, emphasized the importance of preserving the local ecosystem, including animals and plants. She clarified that her group is not entirely against development but advocates for responsible growth that safeguards the environment and future generations, while also bringing economic opportunities.
Official actions related to the projects include the Town of Beloit officials entering into a pre-development agreement with Cambrin LLC in July. This agreement allows the developer to conduct studies and explore the feasibility of the project. Additionally, the Janesville City Council voted in March to approve a planning consultant for the redevelopment associated with the proposed data center in Janesville.