Mason mayor, councilwoman face potential recall over data center votes

Mason Mayor Russell Whipple and Councilwoman Elaine Ferris are facing a recall effort initiated by Alaiedon Township resident Susan Elliott and her group, No Data Centers in Mason. The recall stems from their votes in favor of creating a new M-3 technology innovation district intended to establish rules for data centers within the city. The Mason City Council initially voted 5-2 in February to create the M-3 district and its associated ordinance. This move faced considerable community opposition, with residents protesting during council meetings and another group, Mason Data Center Facts, gathering signatures for a referendum. Opponents argued the ordinance was a "welcome mat" for data center developers, despite included rules for noise and setbacks. Council members, including Mayor Whipple, stated the ordinance was a proactive attempt to set guidelines, arguing that without it, data centers could locate in M-2 manufacturing zones with fewer restrictions. On March 16, the council voted 4-2 to repeal the ordinance, opting to work with the community on alternatives rather than letting the ordinance go to a public vote. The Ingham County Election Commission approved the recall petition language on March 25, allowing Elliott's group to begin collecting 1,000 signatures within a 60-day window, with a July 31 deadline to get the recall on the November ballot. Elliott, who lives near a potential data center site, expressed confidence in the effort, citing community desire for accountability and input. Separately, a representative from Dykema Gossett PLLC, a Bloomfield Hills attorney, contacted the city on behalf of an unnamed client who is "evaluating sites for a potential hyperscale data center development within or near the City of Mason" and seeking utility provisions for a parcel in surrounding Vevay Township. Mason City Manager Deborah Stuart has reached out to Vevay Township officials to explore a shared agreement for potential economic benefits.