Van Buren Township residents frustrated by construction tied to Google data center project
Residents in Van Buren Township, Michigan, are experiencing significant disruption and noise from utility construction related to a planned Google data center. The work, carried out by ITC, involves installing electrical infrastructure and is expected to continue until the end of the year. Despite prior opposition from residents, the project is moving forward, causing frustration over its proximity and impact on their homes.
Residents of a Van Buren Township neighborhood in Michigan are expressing frustration and anger over ongoing utility construction linked to a Google data center project. Anne Leischner, whose home backs up to the I-94 service drive near Van Buren Street, described constant noise and disruption from construction equipment that began on a Monday and runs six days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The construction is for a Google data center located north of I-94 between Haggerty Road and 275. Ron Akers, the Municipal Services Director for Van Buren Township, confirmed that ITC, an independent electricity transmission company, is performing the road work to install electrical infrastructure for the data center. This work is anticipated to continue until at least the end of the year.
Leischner, who previously voiced her opposition to the data center at township meetings, stated she was caught off guard by the work's close proximity to her backyard. Akers noted that the township has been working with ITC to ensure compliance with construction hours and respect for residents, adding that construction has also commenced on the main data center site.