Wixom residents to weigh in on data center ordinance as city council meets
The Wixom City Council is set to consider an ordinance amendment to regulate data centers and potentially lift a six-month moratorium. Residents are expressing significant apprehension regarding potential impacts on electricity, water resources, and the granting of tax breaks for developers. This comes as Wixom Industrial One, partnered with Sand Zone, proposes a new data center project in the area.
The debate surrounding data center developments is gaining prominence in two Michigan communities: Saline Township and Wixom. Saline Township is expected to resume discussions regarding a 12-year tax break for developers Oracle and OpenAI, following a previous delay in voting due to community concerns.
Simultaneously, the Wixom City Council is slated to address a proposed data center on Wixom Road near Pontiac Trail. This consideration comes as the city's six-month moratorium on data centers is nearing its expiration. City Manager Steve Brown stated that the council will hear potential legislation for a data center ordinance and will also weigh the option of lifting the existing moratorium.
Local residents in Wixom have expressed considerable apprehension, citing concerns about potential electricity strain, water usage, and the limited number of jobs typically offered by data centers. They also voiced opposition to the idea of tax breaks for these facilities. Despite this, Wixom Industrial One, in partnership with Sand Zone, is proposing to construct three buildings totaling over 500,000 square feet in a currently tree-covered area. While at least one resident expressed support for potential job creation, the majority of community members interviewed remain unconvinced by the project.