KEEP CALEDONIA RURAL – SAY NO TO A REZONING PROPOSAL

SIGN OUR PETITION TO REJECT THE PROPOSAL – EVERY VOICE MATTERS

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this statement. We the undersigned respectfully oppose the proposed rezoning of agricultural land located west of Highway 32 and south of County Line Road for the purpose of siting a data center across from the Oak Creek Power Plant (Parcel ID Nos. 104-04-22-01-013-000, 104-04-22-01-026-000, 104-04-22-01-029 000, 104-04-22-02-097-000, 104-04-22-01-025-011, 104-04-22-01-036-010, 104 04-22-01-025-020, 104-04-22-01-045-000 and 104-04-22-01-033-000).

1. Rezoning Conflicts with Land Use Goals and County Planning

This parcel is currently zoned agricultural to preserve farmland, open space, and rural character. Rezoning to allow low industrial development contradicts the Racine County 2035 Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes farmland preservation and maintaining rural character. The plan promotes development within or adjacent to existing urban centers with available urban services. Rezoning this agricultural land threatens to fragment rural landscapes and undermines long-term land use goals.

2. Better-Suited Sites Exist in Existing TIF Districts and Development Zones

Caledonia has Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts featuring:

•  Pre-zoned industrial parcels
•  Existing road, utility, and broadband infrastructure
• ·Alignment with long-term growth strategies.

Additionally, the Racine County Economic Development Corporation reports over 1,000 acres of development-ready industrial land served by water and sewer. Developing within these designated zones avoids unnecessary strain on rural infrastructure and aligns with regional economic strategies.

3. Infrastructure Burdens Would Fall on Taxpayers and Residents

The proposed site lacks sufficient existing infrastructure: water, sewer, roads, and electrical capacity would require substantial new investments. While the developer may be required to pay for portions of the upgrades These upgrades risk burdening taxpayers and residents through higher utility bills or taxes if not fully funded by the developer. Construction could disrupt private wells and water quality, threatening public health and the environment.

4. Environmental and Public Health Concerns Regarding Wells, Wetlands, and Coal Ash Piles

Homes in this area depend on private wells fed by groundwater. Development risks contaminating these wells due to:

• Sediment runoff and chemical exposure during construction
• Reduced groundwater recharge from increased impervious surfaces
• Elevated water demand from cooling systems potentially straining resources

The site’s proximity to ash piles and coal residues from the nearby coal power plant raises further concerns. Coal ash contains toxic heavy metals that may leach into soil and groundwater if disturbed, risking contamination of well water and air quality. Construction may also increase hazardous dust and runoff, impacting wetlands and waterways and complicating environmental remediation.

In addition, Under Wisconsin Statutes § 62.231(3) (for cities) and § 61.351(3) (for villages), municipalities are required to adopt zoning ordinances covering all unfilled wetlands of five acres or more located in shoreland areas within their incorporated boundaries—based on maps from the DNR. This is already covered by the current zoning of this area; a change to zoning will negatively impact wetlands and the ecological corridor located on the land in question.

5. Clarified: ATC’s Long-Term Plans Don’t Specifically Support This Site ATC’s 2024 10-Year Electric Grid Assessment does not confirm or prioritize upgrades for this parcel. Localized power improvements would still be needed, increasing uncertainty and cost. The ai data center itself will need Substation outside of the power plant to provide the adequate power

6. Final Recommendation This rezoning request is not in the best interest of the community. It disregards the Racine County 2035 Comprehensive Plan, overlooks better-prepared sites, shifts infrastructure costs to residents, and threatens rural character and environmental health. We respectfully urge the Village Board to:

• Deny the rezoning request
• Recommend the developer pursue alternatives within designated TIF development zones
• Prioritize long-term land use integrity, environmental protection, and infrastructure efficiency

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.