The proposed 8bn data center project by Viridian Partners in Janesville City, Wisconsin is facing local defiance. Locals have shown significant resentment towards the project ahead of a council meeting decision today. The Janesville City council is expected to discuss the potential data center project at its meeting. The discussion if fueled by opposition from more than 4,000 people who signed a petition pushing back against the project. Moreover, in June, a coalition called “No Janesville Data Center” submitted the petition to city officials.

The petition asks the city to defer any development projects at the former General Motors site worth more than $450 million. Residents also want any such projects to be approved by voters through a referendum. Nonetheless, it is not clear whether the city council will vote on the issue. However, with the mounting pressure from locals, the council will have to find an amicable solution. Another data center project facing even more massive opposition is the proposed DC BLOX data center project near Nashville Zoo. 

Outlook on the Data Center Project by Viridian Partners in Janesville

The proposed data center project by Viridian Partners in Janesville is planned for the city’s south side. Moreover, it is on a 250-acre site of the shuttered General Motors (GM)/ JATCO plant. Once complete, it is expected to be an 11-building data center cluster and a capacity of 800MW. Its construction phase is also estimated to create 1,200 jobs with the completed campus employing. It will employ around 600 people once fully operational.

However, community pushback seems to be putting Viridian’s plans in jeopardy because of its massive scale. The meeting today aims to find a way forward for both Viridian and the locals. According to a released staff memo, an extension would maintain the bridge between the letter of intent and purchase and sale agreement phases while the City completes zoning and building code updates and continues to gather public input.

It also allows time for additional community engagement, research and educational sessions. This will continue as the city evaluates data center codes, policies, ordinances and community impacts.

Project Factsheet:

• Project Value: $8bn
• Location: Janesville, Wisconsin
• Developer: Viridian Partners
• Proposed Capacity: 800MW

Project Scope

• Planned on a 250-acre former GM/JATCO site
• Includes 11 data center buildings
• Estimated 1,200 construction jobs
• Around 600 permanent jobs upon completion

Community Opposition

• Over 4,000 residents signed a petition against the project
• Petition seeks voter approval for major developments over $450m
• Residents have raised concerns about the project’s scale
• City council is reviewing public feedback before moving forward

Current Status

• Council discussions are ongoing
• No final approval has been granted
• City is updating zoning and building regulations
• Additional public engagement and research are underway

Project Outlook

• Development timeline remains uncertain
• Future progress depends on council decisions and community input
• Extension allows further policy review and stakeholder engagement
• Project remains one of the largest proposed developments in Janesville