Residents pack Caledonia Village Hall to weigh in on Microsoft's proposed data center

CALEDONIA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A packed house in Caledonia Village Hall Monday night is weighing in on Microsoft's proposal for a new possible data center.

The village is considering re-zoning the proposed site to allow construction to move forward. 

It's a standing room-only crowd, the majority of which is opposed to the construction of a data center, so they're opposed to re-zoning the land. 

The overflow crowd stood shoulder-to-shoulder as representatives from the builder, economic organizations, and Microsoft laid out the plan, including the 300-400 construction jobs that would be created and the economic impacts. 

Microsoft maintained the project would be a benefit to Caledonia and said they're committed to working with the community. But the crowd got antsy over time, after waiting two hours for public comment to start. 

One person, who did eventually speak, joked his legs were numb from standing for so long, and a few times, Village President Tom Weatherston was sharp with the crowd, telling them to stay quiet during the presentations. 

There have been standing ovations, heated words, and a few outbursts. 

There were speakers in support of the plan, though most were from local economic organizations. Most of the opposition focused on the desire to keep Caledonia rural and undeveloped, despite any perceived financial benefits. 

"We have a responsibility to the surrounding areas and the Great Lakes," said Gail Kura, who's opposed to the development plan. 

"This is the most impactful decision," said Ray Leffler, in favor of the plan. "Jobs, growth, good as you get."

Lots of people signed up to speak; each is given five minutes.

One of the speakers who signed up was trustee Fran Martin. Not a member of the plan commission, she was in the audience. 

Weatherston said it was inappropriate for her to speak but the crowd was loudly critical. Martin said she wasn't opposed to the plan yet but had concerns. 

"Tonight, what I'm urging us to do is to become fully informed, wait until we have more information, and then vote," Martin said. 

After public comment, the Caledonia Plan Commission will debate the issue and possibly vote.