University of Michigan chooses site for controversial "computing center" near Ypsilanti
The University of Michigan has selected a 144-acre parcel on Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township for its controversial $1.25 billion "research computing center." Local officials and activists strongly oppose the project, citing concerns about resource usage and its partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory for nuclear stewardship. Despite local opposition, the university is proceeding, leveraging its constitutional autonomy from local zoning laws.
The University of Michigan has selected a 144-acre parcel on Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township as the site for its controversial $1.25 billion "research computing center." The university announced the decision Tuesday, citing the location's favorable zoning, development flexibility, and proximity to existing electrical and data infrastructure. The chosen site borders the Huron River and a public park, and was preferred over an alternative at the American Center for Mobility in Willow Run.
The planned facility has generated significant opposition from local officials and activists in Ypsilanti Township, who express concerns about its future resource usage and its role in nuclear weapons development. Ypsilanti Township attorney Doug Winters stated, "we don't want them anywhere in this township," and confirmed that local officials are exploring options to oppose the development, emphasizing, "we don't feel like this is a done deal."
University of Michigan President Domenico Grasso lauded the site selection, framing it as an investment in future discoveries and communities. The university maintains the facility is a "computing and research hub," not a traditional data center, and has committed to reducing water use, protecting natural resources, and prioritizing energy efficiency. University spokesperson Paul Corliss indicated plans for future public engagement, including a community town hall on September 9, in response to feedback from residents and local leaders.
A key aspect of the controversy is the university's constitutional autonomy as a public institution, which exempts it from local zoning laws and the need for local government approval for its land use. While the university will use its computing power for projects like drug discovery and AI tools, its partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory involves computational modeling for nuclear stewardship, including support for plutonium pit production offsite. The university clarifies that the facility itself will not be used for nuclear weapons production, storage, or real-time operations.