Caledonia Data Center Plan Sparks Concern, Delaying Community Vote

Community Tensions Over Proposed Data Center in Caledonia

A contentious proposal to rezone over 240 acres of farmland and rural homesteads into a data center campus has been put on hold, following extensive public testimony that highlighted emotional appeals, environmental worries, and doubts about transparency. The project, which is located near the We Energies Oak Creek Power Plant, was initially set for a potential recommendation vote by the Village of Caledonia Plan Commission during its July 28 meeting. However, the commission decided to extend the public hearing until August 25, allowing the developer additional time to refine their plans and address community concerns.

The property in question was previously home to several residences but was acquired by We Energies to establish a buffer zone after local residents raised concerns about groundwater contamination. The proposed project, known as Project Nova, aims to transform the area into a data center campus. The village’s new “Transition Light Industrial” land use category, adopted earlier this year, is intended to attract low-traffic, high-value developments like data centers.

What the Proposal Entails

The proposal, presented by Dewberry, an engineering firm hired on behalf of a private developer, includes several key components:

• Amending the Village’s 2035 Comprehensive Land Use Plan to designate 244 acres near Douglas Avenue and Botting Road as “Transition Light Industrial”
• Rezoning those parcels from A-2 Agricultural to M-1 Light Manufacturing and Office District to accommodate a multi-building data center campus
• Site concepts featuring three large data center buildings, a 15-acre electrical substation, stormwater retention areas, and a request to vacate a portion of Botting Road

This would be the first major test of the newly established land use category, which is designed to support industrial projects with minimal impact on the surrounding area.

Public Hearing Extended

Rich Brittingham, the project’s lead representative, requested a delay in the vote, citing the need for more time to review newly drafted conditions of approval and revise the conceptual site plan based on resident input. He emphasized that rushing into a decision would not be appropriate given the novelty of the conditions.

“We don’t feel it’s appropriate to rush into a vote when the conditions of approval are fairly new — both to us and to you,” Brittingham said. “We want to come together with conditions that are amenable to all parties.”

The Plan Commission agreed to the delay, formally adjourning the public hearing until August 25, with the focus limited to reviewing proposed conditions and deed restrictions.

Community Voices Rise Against the Project

Residents spoke for over an hour, nearly all expressing strong opposition to the project. Their testimonies revealed deep-seated tensions between preserving rural character and embracing industrial development.

Tiffany Hammond, a local resident and construction worker, voiced her frustration, stating, “If you guys are waiting for the older people to die off, the younger people are not going to put up with it.” She added that she moved to the area to avoid living in an industrial park.

John Pintar warned of the potential consequences if the rezoning proceeds, noting that once such a development is in place, it could pave the way for further industrial expansions. Barbara Hugier, who has studied groundwater issues in the area, expressed concerns about the risks to wetlands, aquifers, and existing wells, emphasizing that each new house in the area has led to changes in well water quality.

Several residents also raised concerns about runoff, noise, and traffic impacts, with many fearing the loss of the area’s rural character and the possibility of unchecked expansion.

Developer Addresses Concerns

In his closing remarks, Brittingham acknowledged the feedback and expressed a willingness to revise the project based on community input. He addressed several key concerns raised by residents:

• Water usage: Newer data center technologies use closed-loop liquid cooling systems with minimal water consumption, comparable to that of office buildings.
• Stormwater and wetlands: Development must meet Army Corps of Engineers and Wisconsin DNR environmental standards, including runoff treatment and water quality controls.
• Visual and sound buffers: The plan includes 500–1,500-foot setbacks from nearby homes and will include berms and landscaping to mitigate impact.
• Lighting and noise standards: The Village is updating its zoning ordinance to include performance standards, which the project would follow once finalized.

What Comes Next

The Plan Commission will resume the public hearing on August 25, 2025, focusing on revised conditions of approval, draft deed restrictions, and potential adjustments to the site plan. Residents can continue submitting feedback and will have another opportunity to speak at the continued hearing.

How to Get Involved

Residents interested in participating can contact the Village Clerk at (262) 835-6414 or submit public comments via email at info@caledonia-wi.gov. Additional meeting details can be found on the village’s official website: https://caledonia-wi.gov.