Midtown data center pulled from Milwaukee City Plan Commission agenda

The Milwaukee City Plan Commission removed two agenda items concerning a proposed data center and self-storage facility in Midtown from its upcoming meeting. These items were tied to the redevelopment of the former Walmart at 5825 W. Hope Ave. in the city’s Midtown Center. The first resolution sought approval to deviate from existing zoning standards to allow for an indoor self-storage facility and a 19,000 square foot data processing facility, with the self-storage plans previously rejected in 2023 but revised for the current proposal. The second item requested broader approval for physical changes to the property, which also includes plans to relocate the Capitol Branch Library. The Department of City Development offered no immediate comment on the reason for the items' removal. However, Ald. Mark Chambers Jr. released a statement indicating the proposal was pulled because residents had not received enough information. Chambers also tried to temper public fears by stating the proposed data center would have limited power and water needs, differentiating it from larger hyperscale facilities. Despite the alderman's assurances, strong opposition quickly emerged from organizations such as the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the Sherman Park Community Association. Samantha Doucas, an organizer for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, vowed to oppose the data center regardless of its size, and the groups mobilized community action, including calls for residents to testify. Though the City Plan Commission will not discuss the data center on its scheduled date, residents are invited to a community meeting on Wednesday, May 20, at the Milwaukee Liberation Center to share their concerns about the project.