News Summary
Microsoft has announced it will not proceed with a proposed data center in Caledonia following significant local opposition. The decision came after extensive feedback from residents and officials. Although the data center was intended for a 244-acre site near We Energies power plant, Microsoft intends to explore alternative locations in Southeast Wisconsin. While local support remains for a second data center in Mount Pleasant, the community has expressed a need for development that prioritizes sustainability and respects local concerns.
Caledonia, Wisconsin
Microsoft has decided not to move forward with plans for a data center in Caledonia due to significant opposition from local residents and elected officials. This announcement comes after the company received extensive feedback that led them to reconsider the project. In a statement, Microsoft indicated that they have chosen to withdraw the plans based on the community feedback they heard.
The proposed data center was earmarked for a site covering roughly 244 acres of farmland located along Douglas Avenue and Botting Road, near the We Energies power plant in Oak Creek. Microsoft had been moving through preliminary steps for this project, including a planned consideration of a rezoning proposal by the Caledonia Village Board, which was scheduled for October 14 prior to the company’s announcement.
Despite pulling back on the Caledonia project, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Southeast Wisconsin. The company plans to collaborate with local leaders to identify alternative sites that align better with community priorities and concerns. A second data center, however, is still on track for Mount Pleasant, where there has been little to no opposition from residents.
The decision has been met with surprise and approval from some local officials. Fran Martin, a Village Trustee and outspoken critic of the initial data center proposal, commended Microsoft for its responsiveness to community concerns. There remains the possibility that a data center could be established in another area within Caledonia or elsewhere in Racine County. Racine County Executive Ralph Malicki expressed the county’s dedication to assisting Microsoft in locating a suitable site.
During community meetings, residents voiced multiple concerns regarding the potential data center, including its environmental impact, implications for quality of life, and possible disruptions such as increased traffic. A petition opposing the data center’s initial location garnered over 2,000 signatures, highlighting the widespread community resistance. Hope Otto, director of human services for Racine County, noted that the majority of residents opposed the original site during discussions.
Community sentiment expressed relief at the project’s cancellation. Many residents articulated the need for development that prioritizes sustainability and respects local conditions. Chris Atkinson, a local resident active in the opposition, remarked that efforts to unify against the project will continue, as residents remain vigilantly concerned about future developments in their area.
Microsoft’s withdrawal from the Caledonia site comes amid a broader trend of resistance to similar projects in nearby communities. Just one day prior, a comparable data center proposal faced opposition at a Port Washington Common Council meeting, indicating a growing hesitation among local populations towards large-scale tech facilities.
In summary, Microsoft’s decision to pause the Caledonia data center project underscores the importance of community engagement in local development decisions. The company aims to continue its presence and investments in Southeast Wisconsin while addressing the concerns raised by residents in future projects.
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Additional Resources
- WISN: Microsoft Drops Caledonia Data Center After Community Pushback
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Microsoft Pulls Plans for Data Center in Caledonia
- FOX6 News: Microsoft Shuts Down Plans for Caledonia Data Center
- TMJ4: Microsoft Pulls Plug on Caledonia Data Center
- WKOW: Caledonia Data Center Plan Scrapped
- Wikipedia: Caledonia, Wisconsin
- Google Search: Microsoft Data Center Caledonia
- Google Scholar: Microsoft Data Center Caledonia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Caledonia Wisconsin
- Google News: Microsoft Caledonia Data Center
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
