Ypsilanti Township Residents Confront University of Michigan Over Computing Center Plans
Residents of Ypsilanti Township confronted University of Michigan officials over plans for a 100-megawatt computing center, raising concerns about environmental impacts, increased electric bills, and the university's exemption from local taxes and zoning. The Ypsilanti Township board has passed multiple resolutions opposing the project, and both the board and the local utilities authority have enacted moratoriums. A state representative has also introduced legislation to rescind a grant for the project.
Ypsilanti Township residents expressed significant anger and distrust at a town hall meeting regarding the University of Michigan's proposed $1.2-billion computing center on the Huron River, a facility planned for operation alongside Los Alamos National Laboratory. Concerns centered on potential environmental impacts, increased electricity costs for the community, and the university's exemption from local property taxes and zoning rules.
University officials, including interim vice president Patricia Hurn, acknowledged the community's frustration amidst near-constant shouting. They stated that the University of Michigan Board of Regents holds the authority to decide on the project's future. Residents like Eric Wahr and Lindsay Passmore highlighted a lack of transparency and respect from the university, arguing that the community is already subsidizing the project due to tax exemptions. Critics also raised security concerns, given Los Alamos's involvement in nuclear weapons research.
In response to the project, the Ypsilanti Township board has passed multiple resolutions opposing the data center, including one in August 2025 recommending relocation and another in April hardening its opposition to any placement in the township. Furthermore, the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) approved a 12-month moratorium on supplying water to resource-intensive facilities, and the Ypsilanti Township board approved a six-month moratorium on new, major electric infrastructure. State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti) criticized the university for delayed engagement and introduced legislation to rescind a $100-million state grant for the project, suggesting an alternative site.
University representatives, including Chris Kolb and Steve Ceccio, countered that the facility is a high-performance research computing center, not a commercial data center, and would create technical support and research jobs. They also stated that water would not be drawn from or discharged into the Huron River, and they are exploring cooling system options. However, residents and industry professionals like Andy Melichar emphasized the project's substantial 100-megawatt power draw, equating it to a large hyperscale data center unsuitable for residential areas.