Microsoft pulls plug on plans for 244-acre data center in Caledonia

Summary

VILLAGE OF CALEDONIA, Wis. — Microsoft has decided not to move forward with its proposed site for a data center in the Village of Caledonia after facing significant community pushback from residents.PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Microsoft data center proposal continues to divide Caledonia residents as rezoning plans move forward“Based on the community feedback we heard, we have chosen not to move forward with this site,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.The tech giant’s decision comes after hundreds of residents voiced opposition to the project over recent weeks. More than 2,000 people signed a petition opposing a rezoning proposal that would have allowed the data center to be built on 244 acres of land.Watch: Microsoft pulls plug on plans for 244-acre data center in Caledonia after community pushback Microsoft pulls plug on plans for 244-acre data center in Caledonia after community pushback The proposed site was situated on County Line Road and State Highway 32, southwest of the WE Energies Oak Creek Power Plant, and was surrounded by farmland and residential properties. 47032805-Concept Site Plan - Project Nova by TMJ4 News Despite abandoning this particular location, Microsoft indicated it remains interested in investing in Southeast Wisconsin.The spokesperson said the company looks forward to “working with the Village of Caledonia and Racine County leaders to identify a site that aligns with community priorities and our long-term development goals.”TMJ4’s Jenna Rae, who has been following this story, reached out to Todd Willis, the village administrator, who provided the following statement: “Nothing official has been submitted to the Village regarding their pending application, and have no comment until such time.” - Todd Willis, Village Administrator Resident Prescott Balch told TMJ4 that his phone did not stop ringing on Wednesday morning, as people delivered the news. TMJ4 Prescott Balch lives in Caledonia. Balch welcomed the news that Microsoft...