Kenosha Citizens: Data Centers are ‘Parasites’ and ‘Terrible Neighbors’

Kenosha’s City Hall was standing room only as residents packed the Common Council chambers to voice concerns on Microsoft’s proposed data center on the west side of the county on Nov. 17.

Among many concerns, multiple citizen comments raised issues with transparency, environmental impacts and increased cost of living. Several people advocated for a vote on the project, too.

More passionate citizens called data centers “parasites” and “terrible neighbors.” One resident even said any council member in support of the project is a traitor to Kenosha, claiming that the community will “vote each and every one of them that supports it out” next election.

Later in the evening, two aldermen directly addressed some of their constituents’ concerns, including distrust in the Kenosha Water Utility and transparency. Kenny Harper of the city’s 14^th District suggested that residents “just continue to look” if they think any information is unavailable to them.

From Community Silence to Outspoken Advocates

The City of Kenosha announced the project in a press release back in January, expressing excitement in Microsoft’s investment in both the city and the state.

An online petition began to circulate on social media asking that the opening of the data center be stopped, making waves in the community. Kenosha resident Alex Aller created the petition and turned to social media to share her concerns with the project. She uploaded a video across social media detailing some of the impacts data centers can have on communities and their ecosystems. The video received almost 250,000 views on TikTok, and the petition has received over 20,000 signatures.

A Facebook page titled Kenoshans Unite Against Microsoft Data Center has also posted various videos and infographics against the project.

Both Aller and the Facebook page urged residents to attend the Nov. 17 meeting to voice their concerns.

Full House on Monday Night

People poured into the Common Council chambers for what would’ve been an ordinary meeting for the Council members.

Nestled behind the seating were construction workers in their bright yellow vests, which were decorated with various union logos representing their local organization. Chatter persisted among the many groups of people and residents until the clock struck 7 p.m.

Due to the number of citizen comments, individuals only had three minutes to speak, compared to the usual five minutes.

The first speaker, although not speaking on the project, received applause from the audience. Mayor David Bogdala asked the audience to refrain from “cheering or jeering” after citizen comments.

The third speaker, Ryan Kordecki, raised the issue. A lifelong Kenosha resident and a fire protection inspector and technician, he said he was “shocked that the data center in Kenosha was even being considered.”

Kordecki expressed concerns for the cost of living and water pressure, particularly as it pertains to his job. He noted that the data center could impact municipalities’ water pressure, creating not only decreased pressure for residents, but also potentially creating a safety hazard for fire protection systems like sprinklers that rely on a municipality’s water pressure.

He called data centers a “parasite” to the surrounding communities, citing the cost of living and electricity consumption.

The audience applauded him, too. The mayor again asked the room to refrain from applause or other commentary.

Another community member called data centers “terrible neighbors,” asking that the Council not let them “spoil our home.”

Public Transparency, Distrust Central Concerns

Angie Aker, the fifth speaker of the night, immediately raised the issue of transparency, a common theme seen as data centers move into Wisconsin. She acknowledged she hasn’t been “plugged in” to these community developments, but also claimed that this information isn’t readily available for the people that these projects can impact.

Aker advocated for the ability for the public to do their own research and due diligence before these massive projects move into the county.

“We have a responsibility to do better than just saying yes with no questions asked,” she said. “I ask that you rescind any permitting and pause on approving it until Kenoshans can more deeply inspect this proposal. And then, I propose you put this matter as a special referendum for the citizens.”

Aker was the first of many to advocate for a vote on the project.

The next citizen speaker also suggested a vote on current and future data centers.

Olivia Walker was up next. She runs the Facebook page against the project. She spoke about the lack of accessible information related to the Microsoft data center.

“I am calling on officials to release a comprehensive fact sheet, ideally in partnership with Microsoft, that contains straightforward facts and plans on the Kenosha AI data center,” Walker said.

She also expressed distrust in city officials, the Kenosha Water Utility, We Energies and Microsoft. She cited the lawsuit against the City of Racine as a cause for concern regarding Microsoft’s transparency on its estimated utility usage.

Other community members spoke of suspicions around artificial intelligence, questions of permanent jobs, environmental impact and electricity demands.

A Passionate Opposition

“You asked for respect from us, and we ask for the same amount of respect and listen to us,” Jamie Burns, a lifelong Kenosha resident, said. “These data centers are nothing but parasites. They take, take, take and give nothing back to the community. Like a parasite, once they have drained us of all of our resources, they will leave.”

She said that any person in support of the project is a “traitor to Kenoshans.” The community will remember this next election and will “vote each and every one of them that supports it out,” she said.

Burns’ comment caused the audience to erupt into applause.

“Folks, please… just asking very, very politely,” Bogdala said, receiving scoffs from the crowd.

Aller was present, too. She said that the issue transcends political parties and asked that the project be delayed until the community can further understand the impacts of AI and data centers. She also advocated for a vote on the issue.

Cassie Oscar of Kenosha spoke about environmental and health concerns, as well as a lack of transparency from the city government and Microsoft. Oscar referenced various studies on the issue, including a Harvard study on data center carbon emissions and an article from The Guardian on health impacts due to the use of PFAs.

She also said she is a psychology student and had concerns for mental health impacts due to these “forever chemicals,” as well as potential impacts on fetal health.

“I understand that the money from these companies is enticing. I understand that the money could be used to improve other areas that are underfunded in our communities, but the AI center is not the answer,” she said. “I urge you to say no to the data center, but at the very least, delay development until more research can be done, more transparency can be provided, and we can guarantee the safety of our community.”

Even louder this time, Oscar received much applause from the crowd.

“I’m going to say this one last time,” Bogdala said. “If we can’t have order, I’m going to ask people to leave.”

A Perspective From the Other Side

The only speaker approving of the project was Josh Birong, a UA construction worker. He thanked the Council for already approving the project.

“On behalf of all of the men and women of the UA who install these systems and maintain these systems, we know that they are safe and they are efficient,” he said. “We know that these facilities do bring long, sustaining jobs due to the work that our men and women do to maintain these buildings.”

Birong also expressed excitement for the opportunity to work on the project.

A fellow construction worker cheered him on at the conclusion of his statement, “My man!”

Residents opposed to the project scoffed. “Order! Be respectful,” one jeered.

“Copy that,” the construction worker said, sarcastically.

Citizen Comments Wrap Up, Council Members Respond

As citizen comments pushed the 60-minute time limit, more and more residents voiced their concerns related to the environment, transparency, public health, and uneasiness around AI.

The Common Council voted to extend the time limit to continue the debate. Three out of four of the remaining speakers spoke against the data center.

Two community members advocated for a vote on a project, a repeating theme throughout the night.

The end of Kenosha’s Common Council meetings provides an opportunity for the mayor and the aldermen to address concerns or statements made during the citizen comment portion of the meeting.

Distrust in Public Utility

Anthony Kennedy of Kenosha’s 10^th District responded to Walker’s distrust of Kenosha Water Utility, saying he would “put our water utility up against any other entity in the city of Kenosha and the state of Wisconsin.”

“If you knew the dedication, the amount of work, the amount of passion our Kenosha Water Utility people have for the job they do, it’s almost not a job; it’s like a calling,” Kennedy said. “I would just invite you to engage with me. I would love to show you the water utility and the mission that they do so that you have a clearer understanding of what these people do to serve our community. I will not allow anyone to disparage their effort and their reputation.”

Public Transparency

Kenny Harper of the city’s 14^th District addressed the issue of transparency, which was repeatedly mentioned during citizen comments. He said that even in his short time as an alderperson, he has seen a lot of effort put in by the administration to make things more accessible to the public.

“Everything that we do is open to the public,” Harper said. “I urge the citizens not to think that the city or elected officials are trying to hide anything, but to find the information because it’s there. If there’s ever an issue where you can’t find the information, it’s always there. Just continue to look.”

The Mayor’s Response

During an interview with WISN12, Bogdala addressed some of the concerns about the project.

“Nothing is ever a zero, but there’s virtually very little impact to the environment,” he said. “This is actually something that I think is going to be more helpful for Kenosha’s long-term growth.”

When asked if the project is “pretty much a done deal” and if the concerns voiced will not be heard or answered, Bogdala said that “all concerns should be heard” and that he met with “a number of these individuals to make sure that they did get their questions answered.”

Another Common Council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Kenosha Municipal Building at 625 52^nd St. The Microsoft data center is not on the agenda, but community members have been advocating for citizens to keep showing up to voice concerns.