Port Washington data center project; first meeting held
PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. - 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.
A developer wants to build a 1,000-acre data center there. It's a project that would be 20 times larger than the footprint of Lambeau Field.
The development project that would require the annexation of land currently located in Port Washington.
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During the public meeting, Port Washington Mayor Ted Neitzke said the city was approached by developers who indicated that the site, which is adjacent to I-43 near Lake Drive, would be well suited for the construction and operation of a data center. Neitzke said the potential project would provide significant economic and infrastructure benefits.
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.
"We are excited to take a major step toward creating significant long-term economic benefits for both the City and Town of Port Washington without fundamentally disrupting the great things we love about living here," Neitzke said. "A data center will boost tax revenue to help fund our schools, emergency services and infrastructure without the pollution, noise or traffic you might see with other kinds of projects. We will keep our residents updated during every step of the way as this project progresses."
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The developer said the center could create 50 to 100 permanent, high-paying jobs, plus ease the tax burden on homeowners.
The council said it is not fast-tracking the project and that nothing official has been done.
The city will have the full presentation on its website on Wednesday where people can submit questions.