Wisconsin Rapids Data Center Proposal at Former Paper Mill Site Faces Strong Opposition
The city of Wisconsin Rapids has proposed a data center on the 220-acre former paper mill site, sparking significant opposition from residents concerned about jobs, environmental impact, water usage, and quality of life. The city's Common Council has already amended zoning ordinances for data centers, and a conditional use permit application has been submitted by PCH WI Holdings LLC, the identified developer.
The city of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is facing strong local opposition to its proposal for a data center on a 220-acre site, formerly home to the state's largest paper mill. The mill, which closed in 2020, was torn down last year, and the city now eyes a data center development at the industrially zoned location.
Residents, including Kaitlyn Federwitz from the "South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development" group, have voiced concerns over the appropriateness of the site for a data center, advocating for options that create more jobs and address environmental impacts like water usage and pollution. A Change.org petition against the project has garnered over 3,380 signatures. Public meetings have seen opposition, including a session where former New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke in support of the project.
Alder Madalyn Palmquist requested a review of zoning ordinances for data center land use to further regulate development, leading to a planning commission discussion. The Wisconsin Rapids Common Council unanimously voted in April to amend the city's zoning to include definitions and standards for data centers, requiring them to be in the industrial district and setting limits on proximity to homes, water systems, discharge, and electricity usage. The site is currently owned by Capital Recovery Group, and PCH WI Holdings LLC has been identified as the potential developer, having submitted a conditional use permit application. Mayor Matt Zacher did not comment on the project, with city officials stressing that no deal has been finalized and staff are still reviewing the proposal.