JANESVILLE — Opponents of a data center at the former GM/JATCO site on the city’s south side estimate they have about 1,000 signatures so far to force a vote on the proposal.
That puts them at about a quarter of the way to their goal, according to a social media post Wednesday from the grass-roots group No Janesville Data Center.
Organizers say they need about 4,000 signatures, although they say its hard to estimate how many have currently been collected because of the number of volunteers out with petitions.
Only Janesville residents may sign the petition.
The group is circulating what’s called a “direct legislation petition” to create a city ordinance requiring that Janesville city council refer all large proposed development projects for the GM/JATCO site to the electors in a referendum.
The legislation wouldn’t prevent a data center from being built, but it would require the city to hold a referendum.
At a recent public forum, Janesville City Manager Kevin Lahner said there currently are no plans to hold a community referendum. The direct legislation would over-ride that decision.
According to the Wisconsin League of Municipalities, direct legislation is a process that allows citizens in cities and villages to submit a proposed ordinance or resolution to the community’s governing body for adoption or referral to a vote of the electors as provided for in Wisconsin Statute § 9.20.
A petition for direct legislation must be signed by “[a] number of electors equal to at least 15 percent of the votes cast for governor at the last general election in their city or village.” Wis. Stat. § 9.20(1). Within 15 days of the petition being filed, the clerk must determine whether the petition and proposed legislation are sufficient.
Eagle Inn Family Restaurant (Center Ave.) has petitions available daily during open business hours.
PETITION SIGNUP
Wednesday, Dec. 3rd 4pm-6pm
Ro & Co Nails – 107 W Milwaukee St. Suite #205, Janesville, WI
PETITION SIGNUP
Thursday, Dec. 4th 2pm-5pm
Restoration Candle Company – 928 Todd Dr. Suite #7, Janesville, WI
PETITION SIGNUP
Saturday, Dec. 6th 11am-2pm
Adam Johnston Insurance – 2557 Milton Ave., Janesville, WI
PETITION SIGNUP
Dec. 5th-7th (times/locations TBD)
Jolly Jingle & Rotary Light Show