Data center meeting sparks protest and questions in WI Rapids

Protesters gathered outside McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to express strong opposition to a proposed data center development by the PNK Group on the former Rapids Mill site. Many, like long-time resident Danielle McDonald, voiced concerns that the local government was attempting to "sneak it through" without adequate public engagement, stating, "I don't want this in our city. Nobody in my neighborhood wants this in our city."

Emily Aman, a protest organizer, criticized PNK Group for not widely publicizing the information meeting held inside the library, suggesting it was a "bad faith move." The developer, PNK Group, a former Russian company now based in New York, conducted the meeting in collaboration with controversial former New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams, who faced federal indictments for bribery, conspiracy, and fraud in 2024 (though his case was dismissed), stated his involvement stems from his belief in AI's potential to improve city operations.

However, protesters questioned Adams's involvement, suggesting he "should build it in his own backyard." During the meeting, Adams and PNK Group's chief development officer, Anton Veronkin, faced harsh criticism regarding the data center's potential water usage, noise pollution, and other environmental impacts. Veronkin acknowledged the criticism as part of the process, stating, "This is exactly what we want from the community to share the real concerns that we can address and the way we work. We listen to the concerns first and then we design." PNK Group plans another public meeting, but no date has been set, and community members vow to continue their fight against the project.