Proposed Data Center in Wisconsin Rapids is Fueling Debate Over Transparency and Public Involvement

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 -- 9:00 AM

(Larry Anderson, WAOW) A proposed data center at the former paper mill site in Wisconsin Rapids is fueling debate over transparency and public involvement.

According to Larry Anderson with WAOW, the mill closed in 2020, and the site's future has been a hot topic since. In Apr., a public forum featured comedian Charlie Berens and many local residents expressing concerns about the data center.

Mayor Matt Zacher has been asking for cooler heads and promising no decisions until there's been more public discussion. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at the library.

The city's website says the city has not entered into any legal or financial partnership with any private business pursuing a data center project. But local action groups say they found new information through open records that former New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expected to be in Wisconsin Rapids to discuss the project.

"And we did find out that at the library, McMillian Memorial Library this Saturday at 11 am, Eric Adams will be holding a meeting there. This meeting has not been announced to the public. Even though on the McMillion Memorial Calendar it does state Public Meeting."

"So, I am taking it upon myself to give Eric Adams some free publicity and get the public there for him. And so we want everyone to show up," said Marissa Johnson, who is part of a Community Action group opposed to the Data Center.

The group says its concern isn't just about the data center but about transparency and whether residents are being given a voice in decisions that could shape the city's future. They point to a recent exchange with Zacher where they asked him about Adams and their concerns over his involvement.

"We openingly asked him about Eric Adams and told him how uncomfortable we as the citizens are with someone who was indicted on federal bribery charges. We let him know how uncomfortable with that and he got up and walked out of the room. So, another non-answer we got from our government. Which has been the situation this entire time with this data proposal," said Johnson.

As for the small venue for tomorrow's meeting at the library, the PNK group, the host of the event, says that's not about limiting involvement. "PNK is prioritizing small‑group conversations with residents and stakeholders, which allow for more detailed questions, clearer explanations, and a more comfortable environment for people to share their specific concerns and ideas".

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