City discusses comprehensive plan, addresses rumors on social media
Shell Lake Mayor Rowie Hansberger addressed and refuted rumors circulating on social media that the city was recruiting data centers, stating clearly that the administration has no desire to bring them to the community. City Administrator Andy Eiche also informed the Plan Commission about Wisconsin Act 173, new legislation impacting comprehensive planning and zoning, which may require the city to re-evaluate its ongoing plan revision.
Shell Lake Mayor Rowie Hansberger publicly dispelled rumors circulating on social media regarding the city's alleged recruitment of data centers. She emphatically stated that claims of the mayor, administration, or Plan Commission talking to bring data centers to the community are "false" and that the administration has not pursued or advocated for such developments now or in the future.
Hansberger acknowledged that data centers, which require significant electricity and water for cooling, have become a "hot-button topic" in Wisconsin due to its freshwater resources. She stressed the importance of relying on official city communications to prevent "unnecessary concern" among residents from misinformation and noted the increased workload on city staff due to public inquiries.
Separately, City Administrator Andy Eiche informed the Plan Commission about Wisconsin Act 173, new "Truth in Planning legislation" enacted in April. This act redefines how cities and villages approach housing plans through the comprehensive plan process and manage rezoning requests. Eiche highlighted that the legislation, actively supported by the Wisconsin Builders Association, could necessitate revisiting the city's ongoing comprehensive plan revision.
The commission, advised by Northwest Regional Planning, decided to defer further discussion on the comprehensive plan until their August 18th meeting, awaiting clearer guidance on how to proceed under the new state law.