Lowell Charter Township Board votes 'no' on data center moratorium
The Lowell Charter Township Board voted 5-2 against a proposed six-month data center moratorium, despite public opposition. Microsoft plans to build a data center project in the township. A trustee suggested forming a committee to discuss data centers and develop an ordinance.
The Lowell Charter Township Board in Michigan recently voted 5-2 against a proposed six-month moratorium on data center development, sparking boos from the audience at Lowell High School’s Performing Arts Center. Township Clerk Monica Burtt and Treasurer Ronda Benedict were the only board members to vote in favor of the delay.
Public sentiment during the meeting expressed strong opposition to the board's decision, with one person stating, "You will not be able to live by your neighbors because of the shame that will carry over your head." Microsoft has identified the area off Alden Nash near I-96 as a desired location for its data center project.
Despite his "no" vote on the moratorium, Trustee Carlton Blough advocated for the formation of a committee comprising board members, planning commissioners, and citizens to further discuss data center development and work towards a comprehensive ordinance.