Saline Township to vote on 12-year tax break for Oracle's $43B data center project
Saline Township officials are voting on a 12-year tax abatement for Oracle's $43 billion data center project, which also involves OpenAI. The project has faced community opposition, including a previously denied rezoning application that led to a developer lawsuit, though a deal was later reached. Residents are concerned about pollution and rising power costs if the tax break is approved.
Saline Township officials in Washtenaw County, Michigan, are poised to vote on a 12-year tax abatement request from Oracle for a $43 billion data center project. The development, now dubbed "The Barn," is a joint venture that also involves OpenAI. The project has been a source of significant controversy in the community since its inception. Residents are concerned about potential negative impacts, including pollution and rising power costs, should the tax break be granted.
Katherine Hull Salter, a Saline Township resident, expressed her opposition to the tax break, arguing that a multi-billion dollar project should not receive such an incentive while regular citizens face increased costs. Jordan Klein Smith, another resident, hopes the abatement is denied, which he believes might lead the developers to withdraw.
The developer had previously applied for rezoning in July, which was denied. This denial prompted a lawsuit from the developer, though a deal was eventually reached by October, allowing the project to proceed. A groundbreaking celebration took place on June 1st.
The Township's attorney noted that Oracle's request for a 50% reduction in real and personal property taxes is not uncommon, as it's part of a state program designed to attract large industrial and technological investments. Despite this, community members continue to pressure the Board of Trustees to reject the tax break.