WISCONSIN– Alderman and Democratic candidate for Congress Peter Burgelis today celebrated another major victory for residents following the announcement that a proposed large-scale data center has been removed from the Midtown Center redevelopment project.

The decision comes after months of neighborhood advocacy and public concerns about the project’s impacts on nearby homes, including traffic, noise, energy consumption, and quality of life.

For Burgelis, the outcome represents more than a single development decision, it demonstrates how responsive government should work.

“When residents raised concerns, I didn’t ignore them,I showed up, asked the hard questions, and fought to make sure their voices were heard, and that consequences would be impactful.” Burgelis said. “That’s what public service is about.”

During the City’s public review process, Burgelis personally testified before the Milwaukee City Plan Commission, pressing developers and city officials on a critical issue: What tools did the City actually have to hold the developer accountable if the more than twenty proposed safeguard conditions governing noise, power consumption, operations, and neighborhood impacts were violated?

“Agreements and conditions on paper only matter if they’re enforceable,” Burgelis said. “Residents deserved to know who would be responsible if promises weren’t kept and what resources the City had to protect neighbors. Accountability shouldn’t begin after a problem occurs, it should be built into every major development from day one.”

The removal of the data center proposal reflects Burgelis’ broader philosophy that economic development should improve neighborhoods, not ask residents to bear unnecessary burdens.

“I’m not anti-development or anti-data-center,” Burgelis said. “I’m making sure development reflects community priorities. Data centers are a modern reality and are needed, we dont need them in anyone’s backyard.”

The Midtown victory adds to Burgelis’ growing record of delivering tangible results for his residents, including:

  • Restoring funding for neighborhood road repairs and infrastructure improvements.
  • Passing landmark tenant fire safety protections to better protect families.
  • Supporting historic investments in fire trucks, emergency equipment, and public safety.
  • Strengthening government transparency and fiscal accountability.
  • Advancing responsible housing and neighborhood development policies.
  • Championing legislation that supports workers, small businesses, and safer communities.

Burgelis said those accomplishments demonstrate the kind of leadership the congressional district deserves in Washington.

“For too long, Congress has rewarded gridlock instead of results,” Burgelis said. “I’ve built my record by listening to constituents, solving problems, and delivering real improvements that make everyday life better. Whether it’s fixing roads, improving public safety, protecting neighborhoods, or holding government accountable, I’ve shown that I know how to get things done.”

As a candidate for Wisconsin’s First Congressional District, Burgelis said he is ready to expand that approach across Southeastern Wisconsin.

“I can’t wait to deliver wins like this for families throughout Southeastern Wisconsin,” Burgelis said. “That means bringing home federal infrastructure investments, lowering costs for working families, supporting organized labor, strengthening public safety, protecting our communities, expanding housing opportunities, and ensuring economic development creates opportunity without sacrificing quality of life.”

“People don’t elect us to make headlines, they elect people they trust to solve problems,” Burgelis added. “My record proves I can do that, and I’m ready to bring that same results-oriented leadership to Congress.”