Port Washington data center project; idea explored
PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. - There are small steps being taken toward a possible massive new development in Port Washington.
A developer wants to build a 1,000-acre data center there.
On Tuesday night, Jan. 7, the Port Washington Common Council took the first step in attracting the development. The project would require the town to annex land to the city.
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"It just puts us in a really strong position as a community to support a huge need globally right here in little ole Port Washington," Mayor Ted Neitzke said. "This is a significant opportunity for Port Washington. 2% of our tax base right now is manufacturing. We have an unbalanced mix of taxation on our residents at 80%."
County Road LL is the eastern border of the proposed complex in question. At around 1,000 acres, it would be 20 times the size of Lambeau Field.
Cloverleaf Infrastructure reached agreements with residents in the immediate area of the proposed project to voluntarily sell their land. As the project proceeds, Cloverleaf would eventually identify a company to assume ownership of the site, then build and operate the data center.
Port Washington data center project; first meeting held
For the first time, Port Washington leaders discussed what one company wants to build on the city's north side on Tuesday night, Jan. 7.
Cloverleaf presented examples of what the proposed AI data center could look like. The center could create 50 to 100 permanent, high-paying jobs.
But not everyone is sold on the vision.
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"I hate it," said resident Bob Poull. "I think it's just ridiculous to chew up all that agricultural land for a computer center."
Others have mixed feelings.
"I understand the point about diversifying the tax base," said resident Brooke Zuliani. "But I also have concern and hesitation about what it will do to the feel of Port Washington and charm of Port Washington."
For more information on the Common Council’s presentation of the potential data center, click here.