Lowell suspends negotiations in blow to data center
Lowell City Council voted to suspend negotiations with Lowell Township regarding a proposed Microsoft data center, dealing a blow to the project. This decision, influenced by anti-data center organizers, pauses talks on water, sewer, and development agreements. Lowell Township, however, still intends to move forward by creating a data center ordinance and considering rezoning.
The Lowell City Council unanimously voted to indefinitely suspend negotiations with Lowell Township concerning water, sewer, and development agreements. This decision, made on Monday, August 3, 2026, is seen as a significant setback for a proposed Microsoft data center planned for the Covenant Business Park in Lowell Township, near I-96.
Microsoft issued a statement indicating its commitment to continued engagement with the local community and leaders to determine the appropriate path forward. Anti-data center organizers, including Jennifer Stewart Dodgson, celebrated the Council's vote as a victory, viewing it as a clear signal of opposition to the project.
Lowell Township Supervisor Jeri Hale stated that the Township acknowledges the need to develop standards to guide data center projects and plans to create a data center ordinance and consider rezoning the Covenant Business Park. Hale also mentioned that the Township has work to do before negotiations can resume and is committed to being transparent while processing the application as required by state law. The City Council's decision stemmed from complaints over the Township's handling of the Microsoft proposal, with Council members expressing concerns about a lack of good faith in negotiations regarding changes to existing agreements for water and sewer services.