Lowell City Council votes to halt Lowell Township negotiations
The Lowell City Council voted to suspend negotiations with Lowell Township regarding water, sewer, and development agreements, a decision that significantly impacts a proposed Microsoft data center. Anti-data center organizers view this as a major victory. The Township, however, intends to continue processing Microsoft's rezoning application.
The Lowell City Council unanimously voted to halt negotiations with Lowell Township over future development, including water and sewer agreements, a move that deals a significant blow to the proposed Microsoft data center. This decision, added to the agenda at the last minute, is considered a victory by anti-data center organizers.
Lowell Mayor Mike Or didn't called for the vote and publicly criticized the Township, citing a lack of transparency in the ongoing process. Despite the City Council's action, a Township representative stated they still intend to move forward with processing Microsoft's application and a rezoning request that would allow a data center in an area currently zoned light industrial.
Microsoft issued a statement acknowledging the Township's efforts to develop standards for data center projects in Lowell and expressed its commitment to continued engagement with the community and local leaders to determine the appropriate path forward. The company's statement did not directly address the City Council's decision to suspend negotiations, indicating the project's future remains uncertain.