UPDATE: A standing-room-only crowd of concerned residents packed the Washington Township Hall on Thursday night, fiercely opposing a proposed data center that threatens to transform 312 acres of land into the 32 Mile Technical Campus. Community members voiced urgent concerns over the rezoning request, which would convert the property from agricultural residential to industrial research technology.
The controversial project is being proposed by California-based real estate company Prologis, citing Michigan’s favorable tax incentives and the booming growth of artificial intelligence technologies as key factors for the site’s desirability. The land is located south of 32 Mile Road and east of M-53.
Residents expressed fears that the data center could impose significant environmental impacts. “This is going to be a huge energy drain,” stated resident James Eridon during the heated meeting. “So my concern is how are they going to manage that?”
Another local, Jacob Newby, raised questions about water usage, asking, “Are they planning to use well water to cool the systems or village water?” Such inquiries reflect the community’s urgent demand for transparency amid the project’s development.
Concerns were not limited to environmental issues. Terry Templin, a nearby resident, articulated the emotional stakes: “If it affects lives, people are going to be upset about that, and I’m close enough to where it’s going to affect me.”
The Washington Township Zoning Board did not make a decision during the meeting and is expected to reconvene in early January for further discussions. Although the township has assured that the project will not require groundwater and is not expected to raise water or sewer rates, residents remain skeptical.
“There’s no stopping this growth,” Templin lamented, echoing the sentiments of many in attendance. The meeting underscored the tension between technological development and community well-being, illustrating the urgent need for clarity and accountability in the planning process.
This is a developing story, and residents continue to rally for their voices to be heard regarding the future of their community. Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds.
