Wrightstown overwhelmingly opposes AI data centers in referendum vote
Wrightstown residents overwhelmingly voted against considering any future artificial intelligence data center proposals in a non-binding referendum. Approximately 87% of villagers voted "No," indicating strong opposition to such developments, including a potential 1-gigawatt project proposed by Cloverleaf Infrastructure.
Residents of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, expressed overwhelming opposition to artificial intelligence data center proposals in an August 11 referendum. Out of 1,184 votes cast, 1,033 (87%) voted "No" on the non-binding question regarding future consideration of such developments by village officials, with only 151 voting "Yes".
The referendum reflects strong community objections following developer Cloverleaf Infrastructure's interest in building a large-scale 1-gigawatt AI data center in northeastern Wisconsin. The issue has caused tension between residents and village officials, who initially voted on May 27 to send the matter to a referendum instead of imposing a moratorium as some residents requested.
Village Board member Ryan Roebke stated a preference for a referendum over a moratorium to gauge the true extent of opposition. Village Administrator Travis Coenen had engaged in discussions with Cloverleaf Infrastructure representatives since January to educate himself and the village. Residents have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact, changes to rural character, and health implications, while also being skeptical of the economic benefits touted by the developer.
The referendum's outcome is intended to advise officials in their future policy-making regarding data center projects.