QTS Data Centers, which previously proposed the construction of a 615-acre campus in the town of Vienna, is reportedly considering annexing property to the village of DeForest, according to The Star.
QTS’ plans, announced in July, would include up to 15 buildings over the next 10 years and add up to 450 permanent local jobs.
Developers often seek to annex land to a city or village to access urban services like water and sewer or to expedite the development process.
While no petition has yet been filed, DeForest administrator Bill Chang confirmed the village was approached by QTS, and the town of Vienna clerk also indicated officials there had been contacted regarding a potential annexation.
Chang said annexation petitions must come from the property owner and usually go to the village but will, in some cases, be submitted directly to the Wisconsin Department of Administration before consideration by the village board.
A rezone is required afterward — and often an amendment to the comprehensive plan — followed by an Urban Service Area Extension application from the village to the Capital Area Regional Plan Commission, a DNR evaluation and more.
All the steps would need to take place before any development could occur, according to Chang, who added that the village publishes information on the DeForest website when an annexation petition is filed.
Across the state, data centers have been a topic of heated debate.
