Melvindale imposes data center moratorium
Melvindale City Council unanimously approved a moratorium on data center reviews and approvals, a move prompted by a proposed data center in nearby Allen Park. Residents in Allen Park are actively opposing the Solstice Data project, citing concerns about strains on electric and water systems, noise pollution, and potential health hazards. The Allen Park Planning Commission has tabled the proposal multiple times and is set to reconsider a motion to deny it.
The Melvindale City Council has enacted a moratorium on data center reviews and approvals, following a unanimous vote on May 20. Mayor Nicole Shkira stated the measure was a safety precaution initiated after a data center proposal surfaced in the neighboring city of Allen Park, emphasizing the council's support in protecting residents from potential negative impacts. No data centers have been proposed within Melvindale itself.
In Allen Park, Solstice Data is attempting to develop a 26-megawatt data center at 7500 Enterprise Drive. The city's Planning Commission has repeatedly tabled the proposal since January and is scheduled to reconsider a prior motion to deny the project on June 4, after a motion to reject it failed in May. The proposal faces strong resident opposition, driven by fears of increased strain on utility systems, higher bills, noise pollution, and other health concerns.
This action by Melvindale follows similar moratoriums enacted in other Metro Detroit municipalities, including Taylor and Gibraltar. Gibraltar's City Council approved a one-year moratorium in March due to a developer's proposal for a data center at a former McLouth Steel site. While Allen Park residents have also called for a moratorium, City Administrator Tom Murray advised against it in January, citing the inadvisability of imposing such a measure when a development proposal is pending.