Port Washington forum spotlights data center proposals and calls for clearer public communication

At a March 13 League of Women Voters forum, candidates for Port Washington’s Ward 3 alderperson seat discussed the proposed data center and how the city should communicate details to residents.

The data center drew repeated attention because candidates said it could materially affect the city’s finances. Incumbent Alderman Michael Gasper said the project could be transformative, arguing it “could bring a billion dollars or more in valuation” and that a high-value, low-service-demand facility would help the city pay for overdue projects. Candidate Billy Schwalbe said the city must be “mathematically correct” in structuring incentives so public money does not amount to funding private property.

Why it matters: Both candidates tied the data center to the city’s capacity to fund major capital needs without large, permanent tax increases. That made the question of how negotiations and public communication are handled a central campaign issue.

Details cited in the forum

- Gasper described the data center as an opportunity to raise revenue without adding major operational costs, saying it “doesn’t really create much in expenses, but brings in a lot of revenue.” - Schwalbe emphasized transparency and said recent outreach materials, including a “white paper” from a local proponent, helped but that broader communication and clear numbers are needed so residents can evaluate benefits and trade-offs. - Both candidates discussed nondisclosure agreements. Gasper said some past proposals required NDAs presented by companies, and that aldermen signed them to learn details needed to advise constituents: “It was presented to us in a way... if you wanna find out anything about it, you have to sign this.”

What candidates proposed on communications

Schwalbe said the city should commit to “being more open,” praise was given to informational materials distributed by project proponents, and candidates agreed that better proactive publication of facts and fiscal impacts would reduce conflict. Gasper said that as negotiations proceed, council-level review will occur and that the city has tried to be public: “We haven't had any backroom signed deals.”

Context and next steps

The forum did not record any formal council action related to the data center. Candidates said final decisions would go to the Common Council and that residents should expect additional public reporting and council review before binding commitments are made.

Closing note: The data center question surfaced as both a potential fiscal solution and a communication challenge; candidates agreed on the need for clearer public disclosure and council-level oversight before any final agreement.