Saline Township Approves Industrial Moratorium as Data Center Work Continues
Saline Township officials approved a one-year industrial development moratorium on June 10, which aims to allow the township to develop new zoning regulations for future large-scale projects. This moratorium does not affect the ongoing construction of "The Barn" data center, which is currently undergoing environmental and noise reviews. Residents have also reported concerns about truck route violations and lighting at the active construction site.
Saline Township officials enacted a one-year moratorium on industrial development on June 10. The measure aims to provide the township time to develop new zoning regulations for future large-scale projects. Officials clarified that the moratorium explicitly excludes renewable energy projects.
The newly approved moratorium, however, will not impact the ongoing construction of "The Barn" data center. Township Clerk Kelly Marion confirmed that, to her knowledge, the existing data center project is unaffected. Township engineer Dan Kovach reported that most necessary county and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) permits have been secured, though permits for the project’s packaged wastewater and water treatment plants are still under EGLE review.
Construction activities, including warehouse operations, substations, and utility work, are proceeding, with two township engineering inspectors on-site daily. Supervisor Tom Hammond addressed resident concerns, noting additional truck route violations and a lighting issue. The township has requested more frequent groundwater data and plans to employ a third-party acoustics firm for sound-related review, with costs covered by the developer. The township also established a five-member committee to review its farmland preservation ordinance, signifying a shift in focus toward future development policies.