Saline Township residents protest pushes back on data center development
News ClipFOX 2 Detroit·Saline, Washtenaw County, MI·12/1/2025
Residents of Saline Township, Michigan are protesting a proposed $7 billion data center development project by Related Digital, OpenAI, and Oracle. The project would be built on 575 acres of farmland, and residents are concerned about the loss of green space, pollution, and higher utility bills. The township initially rejected the project, but a lawsuit led to it being greenlit. Protesters are calling for public scrutiny of the project and its impacts on the local community.
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Gov: Saline Township
A $7 billion data center project is planned to be built on 575 acres of farmland in Saline Township, Michigan, sparking protests from local residents. The project, called "Stargate," is being developed by Related Digital, OpenAI, and Oracle. While the developers claim it will bring tax revenue and jobs, residents are concerned about the loss of green space, pollution, and increased utility rates. The project was initially rejected by the township but then approved after a lawsuit by the developer and property owners. Local residents, including Tim Bruneau and Sarah Brabbs, are protesting the project and the potential impact on the community.