Town of Port planning for life in the shadow of a data center

The Town of Port Washington is looking  for the best ways to plan for Vantage Data Centers Lighthouse Campus, which will encompass almost 1,900 acres of what used to be town land.

The Town Board agreed last month that it would seek proposals from planning experts to come up with the best plan for the lands surrounding the data center campus.

“We’re looking for a company that has experience with data centers,” Town Chairman Mike Didier said.

He noted that town residents have expressed a variety of ideas about what should be allowed near the data center campus, which is being constructed on what was largely agricultural properties.

“You talk to some people, they think you’ll die if you live next to them,” Didier said. “Others think it’s fine.”

The town is also looking at whether ancillary services to a data center should be allowed near the campus, or if an agricultural use might be more appropriate, he said.

“Maybe they say keep it agricultural, big ag,” he said.

He noted that the Mount Pleasant data center is being developed near several subdivisions.

Didier said he expects the town could be ready to seek proposals by the end of the year, adding he would like to have the study done during the winter.

The town he noted, will incorporate any findings in the new zoning map it will be developing.

He said he doesn’t know how much the study will cost.

“I wish I did,” he said. “I don’t want to spend more than $20,000.”

The money, Didier added, will be reimbursed to the town through its agreement with the City of Port and Vantage.