CALEDONIA — A contentious plan to rezone over 240 acres of agricultural land and rural residences into a data center complex has been put on hold, after extended public comments featuring heartfelt arguments, environmental worries, and doubts about openness.
Across the street from theWe Energies Oak Creek Power Station,Many of the properties once had homes built on them, but were acquired by We Energies to establish a buffer area following complaints from residents about groundwater pollution.
The initiative, referred to as Project Nova, was set to be considered for a possible vote by the Village of Caledonia Plan Commission at its meeting on July 28. However, the commissioners chose to extend the public hearing and postpone any decision until August 25, allowing the developer additional time to modify the plans and tackle community issues.
Village Trustee and member of the Planning Commission, Nancy Pierce, informed the Racine County Eye that none of the trustees are aware of the applicant’s identity, though she suggested it might be a small company. This raised concerns among some residents, she mentioned.
“One thing I heard last night… someone brought up the issue: ‘We don’t know who the owner is… We don’t have any information about them,’” Pierce mentioned.
What’s Proposedfor the Caledonia data centre
The proposal by Dewberry,An engineering company, acting on behalf of a private developer, conducted the presentation. The project consists of:
- Updating the Village’s 2035 Comprehensive Land Use Plan to classify 244 acres close to Douglas Avenue and Botting Road as “Transition Light Industrial”
- Changing the zoning of these lots from A-2 Agricultural to M-1 Light Manufacturing and Office District in order to support a multi-building data center complex
- Site concepts include three major data center structures, a 15-acre electrical substation, areas for stormwater management, and a proposal to close part of Botting Road.
This would be the first significant trial of the Village’s newly established “Transition Light Industrial” land use designation, which was approved earlier this year with the aim of drawing in low-traffic, high-value projects like data centers.
No Vote – Hearing Extended to August 25
Rich Brittingham, the project’s primary representative, began the meeting by asking for a postponement of the vote, explaining that additional time was needed to examine the recently prepared approval conditions and update the conceptual site plan according to community feedback.
We don’t believe it’s right to rush into a vote when the approval criteria are relatively new — not just for us, but for you as well,” Brittingham stated. “We aim to unite around terms that are acceptable to everyone involved.
The Planning Commission approved and officially ended the public hearing on August 25, with the focus restricted to examining suggested conditions and title restrictions.
A Community Speaks Out
Residents spoke for more than an hour, with almost everyone expressing disagreement with the project. The statements highlighted significant conflicts between preserving rural areas and pursuing industrial growth.
Tiffany Hammond, residing at 8937 Foley Road and employed in the construction industry, did not hold back.
If you’re waiting for the older generation to pass away, the younger people won’t accept that,” she stated. “We came here because we don’t want to reside in an industrial area… If I wanted to live in Pleasant Prairie, I would have. But this isn’t Pleasant Prairie.
John Pintar, residing at 6400 Running Horse Road, cautioned about the escalating effects if the land use change is approved.
Once this is implemented, what will prevent more individuals from entering with high-rise condominiums and other developments? My father was raised in Oak Creek. He frequently shares with me how stunning it used to be—and how unrecognizable it has become now.
Barbara Hugier, who has researched groundwater matters in the region, highlighted the dangers to wetlands, underground water sources, and current wells.
Each time a house was built in the area, our wells changed. We are experiencing contamination. If you’re digging deep holes, you might be altering the levels of our wells once more.
Numerous residents also expressed worries regarding water runoff, noise levels, and traffic effects. Access to horse trails, the disappearance of rural ambiance, and anxiety over uncontrolled growth were recurring topics.
Developer Responds to Concerns
In his final statements, Brittingham aimed to adopt a reconciliatory approach.
We truly want to hear from you… Much of what we presented was a preliminary version,” he stated. “We will use this feedback to refine our land plan and address what we have learned.
He commented on multiple issues brought up by the community:
- Water consumption: He mentioned that advanced data center technologies employ closed-loop liquid cooling systems that require very little water, similar to the usage found in office buildings.
- Stormwater and wetlands: Construction projects need to comply with environmental regulations set by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, such as managing runoff and ensuring water quality.
- Visual and audio buffers: The proposal features 500 to 1,500-foot distances from adjacent residences and will incorporate mounds and greenery to reduce effects.
- Lighting and noise regulations: He mentioned that the Village is currently revising its zoning code to establish performance guidelines, which the project will adhere to upon completion.
What’s Next
- The Planning Commission will restart the public hearing on August 25, 2025.
- The conversation will center on the updated approval requirements, the preliminary deed restrictions, and possible modifications to the site layout.
- Residents may keep providing input and will get another chance to address the ongoing hearing.
How to Get Involved
- Reach out to the Town Clerk: (262) 835-6414
- Submit a public comment: [email protected]
- Meeting details: https://caledonia-wi.gov
Caledonia data center plan sparks worry, causing a postponement of the vote to allow for community feedbackwas initially published on July 29, 2025 at 5:36 pm.
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