Overview:
- The fire department and emergency responders are not adequately prepared for the project, and it conflicts with the township's master plan, says Saline Township treasurer.
- At least two other data center projects are being considered in Washtenaw County.
- Several attendees spoke in support of the project Wednesday, including Josh Fraley, who says the owners of the proposed data center site intend to sell the land and it would be developed for solar or housing if not a data center.
Saline Township officials voted down a rezoning proposal Wednesday that would make way for a data center, and sparked local concerns over water and energy use and the loss of agricultural land.
Roughly 100 people attended the Saline Township Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night, packing the township hall and lining up cars along the gravel road. Most of those who spoke during public comment opposed the data center.
Salem Township resident Tim Bruneau said during public comment that the project would bring noise, light pollution, traffic, and habitat loss to the largely rural area.
“(The) rezoning is a self-imposed environmental catastrophe,” Bruneau said.
The township board voted 4-1 to deny the rezoning of 575 acres of agricultural land for the data center.
The facility itself would occupy 250 acres, according to the firm developing the project.
Treasurer Jennifer Zink said that, among other issues, the township fire department and emergency responders are not adequately prepared for the project, and it conflicts with the township’s master plan.
“The demand of data center development is regional,” Zink said. “There is no specific demand for a data center development in this township.”
MORE PLANET DETROIT REPORTING
Can 957 signatures halt a $1 billion data center in Augusta Township?
Residents of Augusta Township rally to submit 957 signatures, aim to let voters decide on the rezoning of land for a data center.
University of Michigan looks at alternative site for $1.2 billion data center as Ypsilanti Township pushes back
Ypsilanti Township officials say they distrust the university, adopt resolution to relocate the facility. But the proposed new location sits next to the environmentally overburdened West Willow neighborhood.
Ballot drive kicks off to put Washtenaw County data center decision in hands of voters
Augusta Township residents are gathering signatures to challenge a rezoning decision for a planned $1 billion data center. Concerns over rising utility costs, environmental impact, and grid strain drive their efforts.
Multiple data center proposals in Washtenaw County
At least two other data center projects are being considered in the area. The University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory are planning a $1.2 billion computing center in Ypsilanti Township. And a $1 billion data center has been proposed for Augusta Township, leading to a ballot drive that aims to allow residents to vote on zoning for the project.
The communities have raised concerns about the facilities’ potential to impact local water resources, create air pollution with backup generators, and contribute to energy reliability problems on account of their large power demands.
Several attendees spoke in support of the project, including Josh Fraley, who said the owners of the proposed data center site intend to sell the land and it would be developed for solar or housing if not a data center.
Brent Behrman, CEO of Related Digital, said the project would quadruple tax revenue for the township, providing money for Saline schools. The company committed to provide the township with $2 million for emergency services, $1 million for a community fund, and $200,000 for historic cemeteries.
Natalie Ravitz, Related Digital’s executive vice president, corporate communications, told The Sun Times News the company is pleased with the support the project received and would be “regrouping in the days ahead.”
Related Digital did not respond to Planet Detroit’s request for comment.
🗳️ Civic next steps: How you can get involved
Why it matters
⚡ Data centers have large energy and water demands that environmental advocates argue could jeopardize Michigan water resources and state climate goals.
Who’s making civic decisions
🏛️ The Saline Township Board voted to deny a rezoning proposal that would have allowed for a large data center.
How to take civic action now
- 📅 Attend Saline Township monthly board meetings.
- 📩 Contact Contact Saline Township board members.
- 🗞️Read Planet Detroit’s data center coverage and recent coverage of Ypsilanti Township and Augusta Township data center proposals.
Civic impact
🌍 Data centers plans have met opposition in several Washtenaw County communities. Saline Township’s decision shows some officials are prepared to block such projects.