Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces opposition during AI data center pitch in Wisconsin Rapids
Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams faced strong opposition and heckling while pitching plans for an AI data center in Wisconsin Rapids on behalf of the PNK Group. Residents voiced concerns about the data center's potential to siphon local water resources and questioned the need for such a facility. The local group, South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development, expressed the town's rejection of the project.
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams encountered significant opposition during his pitch for an AI data center in Wisconsin Rapids, representing the PNK Group. During an appearance at the Wisconsin Rapids municipal library, Adams was met with boos and heckling, with residents accusing him of attempting to "steal our water." Locals voiced confusion over Adams' presence and skepticism about his claims regarding AI's benefits.
Residents, supported by the South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development group, are actively fighting the proposed data center, citing concerns about its potential water consumption from the Wisconsin River, which could impact local farmers and businesses. Group member Kaitlyn Federwitz emphasized the town's desire to safeguard resources and expressed that a data center is not considered a viable solution for the area's economic needs, despite the closure of a paper mill in 2020 that cost 900 jobs. PNK Group claims the data center would create 50 to 150 permanent jobs.