Ypsilanti City Council continues data center moratorium discussion
The Ypsilanti City Council discussed and passed the first reading of an emergency 60-day moratorium on new data center zoning permits to allow time for zoning updates. Residents urged the council to extend the moratorium and even pursue a statewide ban, citing environmental concerns and legal risks. The council also considered a public engagement strategy for a proposed zoning tax amendment.
The Ypsilanti City Council recently held a meeting where members debated an ordinance to implement an emergency 60-day moratorium on new zoning permits for data centers within the city. The council successfully passed the first reading of this ordinance, which aims to provide sufficient time for the council and planning commission to finalize ongoing zoning updates. City Manager Andrew Hellenga noted this emergency ordinance is similar to past measures.
An existing moratorium, initially approved in March, has been continuously extended, and Councilwoman Amber Fellows indicated it could remain in effect until March 2027. Local residents voiced strong support for extending the current moratorium, with one suggesting a statewide moratorium on data centers. Councilwoman Fellows expressed openness to this idea and acknowledged residents' environmental concerns and worries about the long-term impacts of data centers.
Councilwoman Fellows also mentioned a proposed zoning tax amendment that would make allowances for data centers, scheduled for discussion on September 15, 2026. Concerns were raised about the legal implications of delaying data center allowances versus the potential risks to the community and environment. Councilwoman Desirae Simmons advocated for increased community engagement before the September 15 meeting to gather public input on the proposed tax amendment. Ultimately, the council passed a motion to discuss the tax amendment as an informational topic, including public engagement, without immediate action.