Port Washington data center: Council meeting moved to bigger location to accommodate public

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Port Washington Common Council meeting on Tuesday night was moved to a bigger location in anticipation for a large crowd, with the data center discussion back on the agenda.

The city is considering a Tax Increment District, which would allow Vantage, the company behind the $8 billion data center, to cover the initial infrastructure costs.

The city would use tax money to cover those costs down the road.

The council did not vote on the matter Tuesday night; there will be a second reading at the next meeting and a final vote at a third meeting.

Union workers from around SE Wisconsin were at the meeting on Tuesday night, including Sheet Metal Workers Local 18 President Scott Knocke, who spoke during public comment.

“I think it’s a tremendous opportunity, for this area in particular,” Knocke said. “I represent almost 5,000 members in this beautiful state of Wisconsin and of that, there’s 787 apprentices -- 144 of them just in this area, which is a huge impact.”

People living in Port Washington and surrounding areas were also at the meeting on Tuesday night, expressing their concerns in public comment.

“I understand why the union workers think it’s a good idea, because it will be a good way to make some money, but I don’t think that they’re thinking that AI is going to affect how our world is going to change,” Fredonia resident Kim Nugent said.