Public hearing Wednesday for proposed data center at former Wisconsin Rapids papermill site

WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WSAW) - The City of Wisconsin Rapids Planning Commission is inviting the public to weigh in Wednesday on a proposal to build a data center at the former papermill property.

DC Rapids LLC is seeking a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct the facility at 950 Fourth Ave. N.

The Planning Commission will discuss and act on the permit request before sending a recommendation to the Common Council. Commissioners will also consider the project’s site plan review, which does not require a public hearing.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Lincoln High School, located at 1801 16th St. S. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Attendees wishing to speak must register at a table outside the auditorium prior to the meeting. Mayor Zacher will call registered speakers to the microphone, with comments capped at three minutes per person.

Residents unable to attend can submit comments directly to the Community Development Department by calling 715-421-8228, emailing communitydevelopment@wirapids.gov.

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