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Port Washington Today
By the People, for the People
Microsoft Faces Backlash Over Persistent Noise From Mount Pleasant AI Data Center
Residents complain about humming noise and light pollution from the new facility, but Microsoft says it's still investigating the issue.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:35am
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The persistent hum and bright lights from Microsoft's new AI data center have become a source of frustration for nearby residents in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.Port Washington TodayResidents near Microsoft's new AI data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin are voicing complaints about a persistent humming noise and light pollution from the facility. During a Q&A session with Microsoft representatives, neighbors expressed their frustrations, with one resident saying the situation has become a "nightmare" and that she wants to leave her home of 5 years. Microsoft acknowledged the concerns but said it is still investigating the root cause of the noise issues and did not offer any immediate solutions.
Why it matters
The backlash from the Mount Pleasant community highlights the challenges tech companies can face when building large-scale data centers in residential areas. Residents are concerned about the impact on their quality of life, while Microsoft is under pressure to address the issues and maintain positive community relations as it expands its AI infrastructure across the region.
The details
Microsoft broke ground on the Mount Pleasant AI data center campus in 2023, and construction will continue in phases through at least 2028. The first data center meant to help train new AI models is set to be fully operational later this year. However, residents in the surrounding areas of Mount Pleasant and the neighboring village of Sturtevant have been complaining about a persistent humming noise and light pollution from the facility for over a month. During a Q&A session at the Mount Pleasant Village Hall, Microsoft representatives fielded questions for hours about the current facility and plans for additional data centers still under construction in the region.
- Microsoft broke ground on the Mount Pleasant AI data center campus in 2023.
- The first data center is set to be fully operational later this year.
- Residents have been complaining about noise and light pollution for over a month.
The players
Microsoft
The American technology company that is building a new AI data center campus in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
Donald Briggs
A resident who lives near the Microsoft data center and can hear the persistent humming noise inside his house.
Mike Rosenbaum
The village president of Sturtevant, a neighboring community that did not have a say in the placement of the Microsoft data center but is impacted by the issues.
Beth Kane
A resident who lives one mile from the Microsoft data center and says the situation has become a "nightmare" after she had built her "dream home" in the area.
Mount Pleasant Village
The local government that allowed the construction of the Microsoft data center, which is operating under local codes that permit construction from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
What they’re saying
“I can hear it inside my house, and that's what concerns me.”
— Donald Briggs, Resident
“It's my home. It's my constituents' home. I don't need to be driving people out of my village because of some fan noise.”
— Mike Rosenbaum, Village President of Sturtevant
“I lived in an apartment for 18 years to save to build my dream home. Now, it's a nightmare. I've lived there five years. I want to leave. It's no longer fun.”
— Beth Kane, Resident
What’s next
Rosenbaum said he is working with Microsoft and Mount Pleasant to redirect lights away from his village after complaints of light pollution, and has requested a timeline for resolving the humming issue.
The takeaway
The backlash from the Mount Pleasant community highlights the challenges tech companies can face when building large-scale data centers in residential areas. Residents are concerned about the impact on their quality of life, while Microsoft is under pressure to address the issues and maintain positive community relations as it expands its AI infrastructure across the region.
