Oxford Twp. Planning Commission reschedules discussion on data centers ordinance

The Oxford Township Planning Commission has rescheduled a critical meeting to September 10 at Oxford High School's Performing Arts Center, following the postponement of its July 23 discussion due to overwhelming public attendance. Approximately 200 residents arrived at the initial meeting to discuss a proposed township draft ordinance on data centers, exceeding the boardroom's capacity and prompting Oxford Fire Chief Matt Majestic to explain the safety-based decision to move the discussion to a larger venue.

The commission plans to consider a Zoning Map Amendment to establish a Data Center Overlay District on specific Light Industrial (I-1) and General Industrial (I-2) properties located north of Ray Road and south of Davison Lake Road. This overlay district would designate data centers as a special land use on these parcels. Planning Commissioner Bob Turner assured the public that no data center proposals or plans have been submitted to the township.

This ongoing discussion occurs against the backdrop of a one-year moratorium on data center development, which the Oxford Township Board of Trustees enacted on February 11 to allow time for the drafting of a specific data center ordinance. During the July 23 public comments, residents voiced strong opinions. Alisha Dawson urged commissioners to prioritize community safety and avoid creating an ordinance that invites data centers. Township Treasurer Joe Ferrari suggested prohibiting tax abatements for data centers and placing the issue on a voter ballot. Resident Mike Hazelwood advocated for eliminating "by right development" sections to ensure public input, while John Madeja proposed increased buffer zones and zoning changes to keep data centers away from residential areas.