Anti data center group organizing recall in Lowell
Residents in Lowell Township, Michigan, are organizing a recall effort against board members who voted down a data center moratorium, allowing a Microsoft data center proposal to proceed. Concerns about water and energy usage are fueling the opposition, with residents also considering a ballot proposal to put the rezoning issue to voters.
Residents in Lowell Township, Michigan, are actively pursuing a recall election for three township board members following their vote to reject a data center moratorium. The moratorium's rejection allowed a proposed hyperscale data center from Microsoft to move forward, prompting significant community backlash.
Community members, including Clint Forrester and Greg Forbes, expressed concerns about the potential data center's impact on local water and energy resources. They also cited a perceived lack of dialogue from the board and allegations of malfeasance, noting that some board members own property adjacent to the proposed data center site and did not recuse themselves from votes. Residents aim to gather enough petition signatures by the end of July to place the recall effort on the November ballot.
In addition to the recall, organizers are discussing an effort to put the rezoning issue directly to the voters. The three board members targeted for recall are Jerry Hale, Mark Anderson, and William Thompson. Residents are also encouraged to attend an upcoming planning commission meeting where Microsoft will be present.