City of Kalamazoo clarifies zoning status of potential data center site
The City of Kalamazoo clarified that no formal data center proposal has been submitted or approved for a former cannabis facility owned by Harbor Farmz. City staff determined that a data center could be permitted under the property's existing M-2 industrial zoning. However, some residents have voiced opposition to the potential project at a recent city commission meeting.
The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has issued a clarification regarding the potential repurposing of a former cannabis grow facility into a data center. The property, located at 2839 Full Circle Drive and previously operated by Harbor Farmz, has garnered attention after its owner and CEO, Michael Ward, contacted the city's Community Planning and Economic Development Department in March about the conversion.
City officials emphasize that no formal development proposal for a data center has been submitted, and no project has been approved. While the property has not been rezoned, city staff have determined that a data center could be permitted under its existing Manufacturing-General (M-2) zoning district, which is Kalamazoo's most intensive industrial classification. The former marijuana grow facility is also noted for its existing capacity to handle high electrical and water demands, making it potentially suitable for data center operations.
Despite the city's clarification that a formal process is yet to begin, residents have already voiced opposition. During a recent Kalamazoo City Commission meeting, community members expressed concerns, with one stating a belief that "AI and the machinery that supports it have no place in our community." City leaders confirmed that any future conversion would still require a site plan review, compliance with stormwater management, lighting, screening, and green space requirements, and would involve a public engagement process.