Viewpoints: Janesville ‘no’ referendum could limit options for city growth

The former General Motors plant in Janesville was a cornerstone of the city’s economy for decades, peaking at more than 7,100 workers in 1977 before the main assembly line closed in 2008 during the Great Recession.

The factory was ultimately torn down and the 250-acre site, which was also home to Janesville Auto Transport Co., still sits idle today. It may remain unused for years longer if a referendum on the city’s Nov. 3 ballot passes.

A group called “No Janesville Data Center” was part of what persuaded members of the Janesville City Council to drop a developer’s plan for an 11-building data center campus this year.

Emboldened by that victory, which was partly due to lack of public transparency, the same “No” group is now behind a referendum to limit how much could be invested to pump new life into the GM/JATCO site...

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RSK: I have to agree with Tom on this one. Be careful for what you wish for...you just might get it all and then some.