The fight against a $1.2 billion U-M and Los Alamos-backed data center continues

Activists in Ypsilanti Township are continuing their campaign to stop a $1.2 billion data center development, which they associate with nuclear weapons research. Members of the "Stop the Data Center" group recently gathered after receiving an anonymous tip about a potential groundbreaking ceremony at South Hydro Park. Elizabeth Jordan, a spokesperson for Stop the Data Center, revealed that the proposed facility would consist of several buildings. She claims that one building, intended for nuclear weapons research by the Los Alamos National Laboratory, would consume 90% of the energy, necessitating the construction of a new DTE substation on site. The remaining 10% of the energy would power a smaller data center leased by the University of Michigan. Local officials in Ypsilanti Township also oppose the project. Jordan suggested that the University of Michigan's political influence might advance the development despite existing zoning restrictions and widespread local opposition. Stop the Data Center plans to maintain close monitoring of the site and continue holding monthly public meetings, with the next one scheduled for May 9 in North Hydro Park.