Plan Commission holds redevelopment proposal for former Midtown Center Walmart store following tense public hearing - BizTimes
The Milwaukee Plan Commission held a redevelopment proposal for a former Walmart site after a tense, seven-hour public hearing. Residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed data processing facility, citing concerns over environmental impact, resource consumption, and the appropriateness of the development for the community. The project, which also includes affordable housing and a library, is currently at a standstill.
The Milwaukee Plan Commission has decided to hold a redevelopment proposal for the former Walmart store at Midtown Center on the city's northwest side, following a contentious seven-hour public hearing. Commissioners determined that the proposal required additional discussion after two separate votes to approve it, even with conditions, failed to pass.
Residents packed the meeting and submitted numerous virtual and written statements, expressing significant opposition to a key component of the project: a 108,000-square-foot facility to house a self-storage and data processing and computer research services operation by AFS Milwaukee LLC. Opponents, including Stacy Smiter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and resident Samantha Doucas, raised concerns about the data facility's potential impact on air, water, and noise quality, as well as its water and energy consumption. Signs advocating for a "Data Center Moratorium in Milwaukee Now!" were visible, reflecting community sentiment that the site could be better utilized for other developments like medical services or a community center.
Trent Overhue, owner of AFS Milwaukee LLC, attempted to mitigate fears by stating the facility would use minimal water, consume only 10 megawatts of electricity, and not pollute local water sources. He clarified that the facility is a "small edge site" for biomedical data, not a traditional data center. Department of City Development Commissioner Lafayette Crump supported the proposal, calling it an improvement over a 2023 version and a positive step for Midtown Center. However, residents like Doucas maintained that renaming the facility did not alleviate their objections.
City staff had initially recommended approval with 15 conditions, including an independent investigation of a similar facility owned by the developer. Despite this, the commission's votes failed, leaving the project at a standstill with no immediate indication of when it might return for further consideration.