Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams co-led a public meeting in Wisconsin Rapids for PNK Group's proposed data center project, but faced intense community backlash.
A video by South Wood County Neighbors for Responsible Development shows attendees booing, heckling, and challenging Adams over his involvement with the developer and past corruption and bribery allegations made against him. Adams was joined by PNK Group's chief development officer Anton Voronkin, Wisconsin Rapids Tribune reported.
The meeting, originally scheduled for an 80-person room, relocated to a 248-person venue that filled to standing-room-only capacity within 30 minutes.
Over 50 residents protested outside with signs reading "PNK GO AWAY," citing concerns about water use, wildlife threats, and climate impact.
During the two-hour session, Adams and Voronkin were both pressed by residents on the impacts of water usage on the Wisconsin River, electrical costs, diesel generator noise, and sewer discharge.
When Voronkin admitted PNK had never built such a facility before, attendees questioned the community's trust.
The Trump administration dropped Adams' federal bribery case early in the president's second term.
Watch the video below.