Lyon Township denies easement for data center site improvements

The Lyon Township board has unanimously denied critical easements required for drainage improvements at the site of the proposed 1.8 million-square-foot data center, known as Project Flex. This decision effectively halts the development of the 172-acre site, located in South Hill Business Park West, as necessary drain upgrades must be completed before any construction can proceed. The project had previously received approval from the planning commission last fall as a permitted use within the industrial district. The denial, made on May 4, was met with strong frustration from Walbridge, the developer. Attorney George Holton highlighted that the proposed drainage improvements, fully funded by Walbridge, would benefit the entire township by alleviating widespread flooding concerns that local officials have acknowledged for nearly a decade. Walbridge's General Counsel, Amanda Shaughnessy, stated that the township's action sends a "chilling signal" to developers and threatens future investment, adding that the company has already made significant infrastructure investments. Shaughnessy also indicated that Walbridge is now left with "no choice but to exhaust every avenue available to us for resolution." Trustee Sean O'Neil, who made the motion to deny, simply stated the easement was "not currently in the best interests of the township." Other board members, including Trustee Lise Blades and Trustee Robert Swain, cited concerns over tree clearing already undertaken by Walbridge near the Oakland/Southwest Airport and unresolved questions regarding the project's scope and restoration plans. Public pressure from residents, who have been protesting the data center over issues like water and electricity usage, noise, and environmental impacts, appears to have significantly influenced the board's decision, with some residents even seeking a recall of township officials. The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash's Office confirmed that without the easement, the drainage improvement project cannot proceed, noting that any future improvements would require resident funding through a formal petition process. Despite Walbridge's offer to pay for the estimated $3-4 million in drain fixes, the township board's denial means the project remains stalled, leaving the future of Project Flex uncertain.