Microsoft, MSFT, has withdrawn its proposal for a data center in a Milwaukee after community outcry

Microsoft has withdrawn plans to build a 244-acre data center in Caledonia, a suburb of Milwaukee, following resistance from local residents and officials. The company said it remains committed to investing in southeast Wisconsin and will work with Caledonia and Racine County to identify an alternative location.

Community opposition had focused on concerns over potential noise, the impact on stormwater systems, and whether such a large project fit within a smaller community. The withdrawal came as the Caledonia Village Board prepared to vote on rezoning the land for the development.

Microsoft said it wants to pursue a site that better aligns with community priorities. Residents expressed frustration over the project, with some questioning whether they had been given an accurate picture of its impact.

The company still plans to move forward with a separate data center project in nearby Mount Pleasant, where there has been little pushback, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.