Ypsilanti Township residents oppose University of Michigan computing center project
Residents of Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, fiercely opposed the University of Michigan's proposed $1.2 billion high-performance research computing center, citing concerns about noise, energy use, property taxes, environmental impact, and the facility's connection to national security. A town hall meeting erupted in shouting, with locals expressing deep distrust and rejection of the project, despite the university's defense of its scientific and economic benefits.
A recent town hall meeting in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, regarding the University of Michigan's proposed $1.2 billion high-performance research computing center devolved into a heated exchange as residents voiced overwhelming opposition.
The project, a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory, is planned for a 144-acre site. Residents expressed significant concerns over potential increases in property taxes, noise, emissions from generators, and the facility's 100-megawatt power demand. Engineer Andy Melichar, who works in the data center industry, warned that even state-of-the-art facilities produce noise and emissions, making them unsuitable for residential areas. The involvement of Los Alamos National Laboratory, known for its nuclear research, has also sparked fears among some residents that the center could become a national security target, despite assurances from Los Alamos Director Thom Mason that it would not handle nuclear materials.
University officials, including interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Patricia Hurn, struggled to speak over the angry crowd. They defended the facility as a scientific research hub crucial for breakthroughs in medicine, clean energy, and national security, claiming it would not operate like a commercial AI data center. Vice President for Government Relations Chris Kolb highlighted the potential for 30-50 technical support jobs, 200 research jobs, and 300 temporary construction jobs, arguing for its economic benefits.
However, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo and Township Attorney Doug Waters criticized the university for what they described as a lack of transparency and an expansion of the project's scope. Washtenaw County Commissioner Justin Hodge and State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. also called for greater public engagement and for the university to find an alternative location, emphasizing that the community does not want the project.