Wayne Co. commissioners override Evans’ Van Buren data center veto
Wayne County commissioners unanimously overrode County Executive Warren Evans' veto of tax incentives and a community benefits agreement for Google's proposed data center in Van Buren Township. The vote does not approve construction, and the township Planning Commission is expected to consider the project's final site plan; residents remain concerned about water use, electricity demand, noise and utility costs.
The Wayne County Commission voted 13-0 to override County Executive Warren Evans' veto of tax incentives and a community benefits agreement connected to Google's proposed Van Buren Township data center. Commissioners said the action addressed only the county's role in approving tax benefits and the agreement, not construction or a development agreement. Developer Panattoni has proposed three data-processing buildings, an administrative building and two network-service buildings on a 282-acre site near Haggerty Road and I-94.
Evans maintained that the county had not been given enough time to assess the project's long-term effects on finances, infrastructure and natural resources. The facility could use 2 million to 3.6 million gallons of water daily and about one gigawatt of power, prompting opposition from some residents. Google and DTE Energy are proposing renewable energy and storage resources to support the project, while Van Buren Township officials approved $125 million in tax incentives in May and its Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the final site plan Oct. 14.