Data computing facility removed from Midtown Center redevelopment proposal - BizTimes

A proposal to include a 19,000-square-foot data computing facility as part of the Midtown Center redevelopment in Milwaukee has been withdrawn following extensive resident opposition. The facility, planned for a former Walmart site at 5825 W. Hope Ave., was one component of a larger project that also included 200 units of affordable housing, a new Milwaukee Public Library branch, and self-storage units.

Hundreds of residents voiced their dissent during a seven-hour Plan Commission meeting, citing worries about the data facility's potential impact on air, water, and noise quality, as well as concerns about water and energy consumption. Many also questioned the community benefit of a data facility compared to other development types.

Trent Overhue, owner of AFS Milwaukee LLC, the company slated to operate the facility, attempted to address these concerns during the meeting. He stated the facility would use minimal water, require a maximum of 10 megawatts of utility capacity, and would not pollute local water sources, emphasizing it would be a "small edge site" for biomedical data. However, despite these assurances, the data computing facility component was withdrawn from the redevelopment plan.

Alderman Mark Chambers announced the decision, stating it reflected a collaborative effort between residents, local government, and developers. The revised plan will now proceed with only the housing, library branch, and storage units, reactivating a property that has been vacant for nearly a decade.