Port Washington residents oppose massive data center project citing environmental and community risks

The Port Washington Common Council meeting held on April 15, 2025, was marked by intense public concern regarding the proposed data center project. Residents voiced their apprehensions about the environmental, economic, and social implications of the development, which is set to occupy a significant area of land.

The meeting began with a discussion on the data center, where a resident raised questions about the decision-making process, suggesting that a referendum similar to those used for high school repairs should be considered. The speaker emphasized the need for a comprehensive risk assessment that includes public input, highlighting environmental risks such as the impact on local water tables and existing ecosystems, particularly in light of the Emerald Ash Borer crisis affecting local trees.

Several residents followed, expressing their opposition to the project. Susan Walteter, a nearby resident, described the proposed data center as excessively large, potentially overshadowing the community and causing light and noise pollution. She raised concerns about the long-term construction impacts, including dust and detours, and questioned the necessity of such a massive facility.

Chris Karnish highlighted the power requirements for the data center, questioning the feasibility of sourcing electricity from distant power plants, which could strain local resources. He urged the council to reconsider the project's implications for the entire state of Wisconsin.

Mike Jenkins criticized the project as a land grab that would disrupt the community's character and questioned the long-term benefits, suggesting that the jobs created would not significantly benefit local residents. He expressed frustration over the council's apparent detachment from the concerns of those living near the proposed site.

Other residents echoed these sentiments, with concerns about the environmental impact on local wildlife, particularly birds, and the potential for increased runoff from the extensive concrete surfaces. Kim Pemble, who has expertise in healthcare IT, raised specific concerns about the sound levels and their effects on local wildlife, urging the council to consider alternative construction materials that would reduce carbon emissions.

The meeting concluded with Troy Cook, the author of a petition against the data center that has garnered over 500 signatures, emphasizing the importance of public discourse in local governance. He criticized the council's engagement with residents, suggesting that the meetings serve more as a formality than a genuine effort to address community concerns.

Overall, the meeting underscored a significant divide between the council's plans for economic development and the residents' fears about the potential consequences of the data center on their community and environment. The council faces mounting pressure to reconsider the project and engage more meaningfully with public concerns.