Kalamazoo leaders say no set plans for cannabis facility to be data center
Residents in Kalamazoo, Michigan, are expressing strong opposition to a potential plan to convert a cannabis processing facility owned by Harbor Farms into a data center. The Kalamazoo City Commission has stated that no such proposal has been officially presented or approved. Community members are vocalizing concerns regarding the project's financial, environmental, and personal impacts, urging city leaders to prevent its development.
The intent to convert a cannabis growing and processing facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, into a data center is sparking considerable concern among local residents, despite the Kalamazoo City Commission’s reassurance that no formal proposal has been presented or approved. During a recent Monday night meeting, Vice Mayor Gruden reiterated the city's position, stating that any future data center proposal would undergo a thorough review process involving planning, zoning, environmental, utility, and public engagement stages.
Harbor Farms, the owner of the 32,850-square-foot facility located off East Court, is exploring the conversion. CEO Michael Ward indicated last week that the move is prompted by an oversaturated cannabis market in Michigan. Ward noted that the facility is already equipped with energy-intensive HVAC systems suitable for high-density computing and is zoned for such an operation. The facility currently uses one megawatt of power but could be upgraded to 15 megawatts to support the data center, which would focus on user and services, requiring placement closer to city centers and potentially lower energy consumption than larger AI training facilities.
However, numerous community members attended the City Commission meeting to voice strong concerns. Speakers highlighted potential negative impacts on the environment, property values, and personal well-being. They urged city leaders to prioritize residents over what they perceive as a "money-making scheme," asserting that the city should not be responsible for bailing out Harbor Farms and should actively oppose AI data center and surveillance proposals.