Alexandra (Alex) Aller, a Kenosha resident and local business owner, urged the Common Council on Nov. 3 to scrutinize the planned Microsoft AI center scheduled to become operational in early 2026 and to provide residents with information about environmental monitoring and potential costs.

“All I want to talk about is the Microsoft AI Center that has been built in Kenosha and is scheduled to become operational in 2026,” Aller said, identifying herself and giving her address. She told the council that “AI centers pose a much greater risk and harm than our community is aware of” and cited studies she said show large electricity use near data centers, water withdrawals for cooling and limited local employment compared with other land uses.

Aller said communities in other Wisconsin municipalities and 16 U.S. cities between May and March had delayed or rejected data- center projects. She raised specific questions for the council and staff: “What is the long term effect of coolant in our water being put back into the ecosystem? Have we tested the water they will need to put back? Will we do so regularly? What information can we offer the community to make sure that we're not footing the bill for the electric companies and paying the cost of polluted water?”

Her remarks referenced concerns about electricity costs, water withdrawals from Lake Michigan for cooling and the quantity of local jobs relative to the land and power footprint. The council did not record a formal response or motion tied to her comments during the public-comment period; councilors and staff may consider the points in future agenda items or permitting and oversight discussions.

Aller called on elected officials to explain monitoring and protections and to ensure residents do not bear utility or environmental costs.