URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Washington Township are expressing fierce opposition to a proposed data center that could transform 312 acres of agricultural land into a sprawling technical campus. During a heated zoning meeting on Thursday night, dozens of community members packed the township hall to voice their concerns about the “32 Mile Technical Campus,” proposed by the California-based real estate company Prologis.
The zoning board is currently considering a request to rezone the property from agricultural residential to industrial research technology. This significant change is located south of 32 Mile Road and east of M-53. Prologis has cited Michigan’s favorable tax incentives and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence technologies as key factors making the site attractive for development.
Residents raised numerous concerns during the standing-room-only meeting. “When you don’t know what they’re going to do with the land, then we get handcuffed,” one resident stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the project’s impact.
Environmental issues dominated the discussion, with many attendees worried about the energy demands of the facility. “This is going to be a huge energy drain. So my concern is how are they going to manage that?” asked resident James Eridon. Fellow resident Jacob Newby inquired about the project’s water usage, questioning whether the data center plans to utilize well water or municipal supplies for cooling systems.
Another resident, Terry Templin, expressed his understanding of the need for technological advancement but opposed the idea of having it so close to his home. “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,” he remarked.
The township has attempted to address some concerns through online communications, stating that the project would not require drawing groundwater and is not expected to increase water or sewer rates. However, the fear of uncontrolled growth remains palpable among the residents. “There’s no stopping this growth, that’s the problem,” Templin emphasized.
The planning commission did not reach a recommendation during the meeting, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain. The board is set to reconvene in early January 2024 for further discussions, making it critical for residents to stay informed about developments.
As tensions rise and the community awaits the next steps, the outcome of this zoning request could have lasting implications for the future of Washington Township. Residents are urged to remain engaged and voice their opinions as this situation unfolds.
