Wrightstown residents threaten to leave village amid potential data center project

The Village of Wrightstown municipal building is seen, May 5, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online

VILLAGE OF WRIGHTSTOWN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — At Wrightstown’s village board meeting on Tuesday night, data centers took center stage.

Wrightstown residents say they have received information from Cloverleaf Infrastructure about a potential data center project coming to the area. Cloverleaf, an industrial real estate developer specializing in data centers, confirmed that Wrightstown is an area they are looking at.

Previously, Cloverleaf says that the company is still pursuing opportunities in Northeast Wisconsin after its plans in Greenleaf were discontinued.

Residents speaking out against the idea at Tuesday’s village board meeting.

“The thought of having a huge data center in my backyard is really startling and scary to me,” said Kim Hecker.

“You look at all of these other data centers. No one in the community is happy. No one is like, ‘Yay, we’ve got this data center.'” said Nick Sagal.

Several residents even threatening to move.

“Frankly, this data center scares me. We would sell our home,” said Sagal.

Other local governments have taken measures to delay data center development in their areas. Last week, Manitowoc County approved an 18-month moratorium.

Board President Dean Erickson said he wouldn’t support a pause because there is no official proposal.

“How about we never get to having a proposal because we decide right now as a group in a community that we don’t want it,” said Sagal.

“All we can do right is bring in people that are professionals in this and that know what they’re talking about and can speak to their concerns,” said Ryan Roebke, Wrightstown Village Trustee.

Board trustees want to see a proposal before making decisions.

“We have a village of 4,000 people and trying to keep in mind that we are always trying to do what’s best for the community as a whole,” said Roebke.

Residents say they believe Cloverleaf is targeting land behind the high school between Shanty Rd. and County D.

At this time no formal proposal has been submitted.