Detroit Evening Report: Councilman Scott Benson works with city leaders to set rules for data centers
News ClipWDET 101.9 FM·Detroit, Wayne County, MI·4/14/2026
Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson met with community leaders to plan new zoning rules for data centers, following the city's resolution for a two-year moratorium. This action addresses resident concerns about energy costs, farmland, and pollution related to data center development. The group, including DTE Energy, will hold its next meeting in May.
zoningmoratoriumenvironmentalelectricitywatergovernmentopposition
Gov: Detroit City Council, Detroit Planning Commission, Mayor's Administration (Detroit), Detroit Economic Development Corporation
Detroit City Councilman Scott Benson convened a meeting with community leaders, the city's planning commission, members of the mayor's administration, the Detroit Economic Development Corporation, DTE Energy, and tech experts to establish new zoning rules for data centers. This initiative follows the city's recent resolution supporting a two-year data center moratorium. The discussions are prompted by statewide resident concerns regarding energy costs, farmland loss, and various forms of pollution associated with data centers. The group plans its next meeting for May 8 to continue these efforts.