Data center news: Saline Township treasurer resigns over data center death threats

Here’s a roundup of data center news we’re watching at Planet Detroit as we cover the environmental and financial impacts of the developments in Michigan communities.

⚡ Saline Township treasurer resigns over data center death threats Saline Township Treasurer Jennifer Zink quit Wednesday after six years in office, citing death threats linked to the 1.4-gigawatt Related Digital data center project. The township board originally voted against rezoning over 500 agricultural acres for the facility, but developers sued, resulting in a settlement allowing construction to proceed. The project, developed for Oracle and OpenAI, has generated intense hostility toward local officials from residents opposed to the development. 📌 Source: Spectrum News

⚡ From Silicon Valley to campaign trail: Duggan and data centers Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, running for Michigan governor as an independent, has repeatedly stated the state needs data centers to attract AI and tech jobs, citing conversations with Silicon Valley leaders. When directly questioned, he hedged his stance, emphasizing the need for a “clear standard” and local community support. Critics accuse him of mixed messaging, while his campaign released a policy plan calling data centers “key to a competitive economy.” 📌 Source: The Detroit News

⚡ Lyon Township blocks key step for 1.8-million-square-foot data center plan Lyon Township’s board unanimously denied easements needed for drainage improvements on the planned site of Project Flex, a 1.8-million-square-foot data center proposed by Walbridge. Without the drain bypass, the 172-acre site cannot be developed. Walbridge offered to fund the roughly $3 million-4 million in improvements, but board members cited unresolved questions and public pressure. The developer warned the denial sends a “chilling signal” and vowed to pursue all available options. 📌 Source: Hometown Life

⚡ 1 proposed location for $1.2 billion Los Alamos site ‘dead,’ University of Michigan regent says The University of Michigan’s planned $1.2 billion facility with Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory, which it calls a “high performance computing center” and opponents term a data center, is trending toward the Willow Run/American Center for Mobility site in Ypsilanti Township. A university regent describes a proposed Textile Road location as “dead” due to local opposition and environmental concerns. Significant complications remain at Willow Run, including environmental violations, unresolved debt, and community opposition. Several of MLive’s sources expect a site decision by mid-July. 📌 Source: MLive

⚡ Water experts warn data center boom requires smarter planning Data centers are raising concerns about water use near Lake Michigan, where Illinois operates under a 1967 Supreme Court decree limiting daily water diversion. Experts warn that data centers, combined with residential and agricultural demand, could strain water supplies across the region, a Chicago TV station reports. Data centers aren’t required to publicly report water or electricity usage. Advocates are calling for smarter siting, better reporting enforcement, and updated water laws before conflicts between municipalities, farmers, and tech companies escalate. 📌 Source: WFLD-TV

⚡ Judge clears path for recall of entire Augusta Township board A judge has allowed a recall effort targeting all seven Augusta Township elected officials to move forward, after denying appeals filed by the officials. Resident Wendy Albers launched the recall over the board’s vote to rezone land for a hyperscale data center proposed by New York City-based Thor Equities. Township voters will separately decide the rezoning question on Aug. 4, after opponents gathered enough petition signatures to put the issue on the ballot. 📌 Source: MLive