Detroit Community Group Studies Data Center Development, Urges Swift Policy Action

A Detroit community group, the Eastside Community Network (ECN), has launched a study to develop policy recommendations on data center development amidst growing concerns in the city's east side neighborhoods. Residents fear potential increases in air pollution, water contamination, and noise, exacerbating existing industrial burdens. ECN is organizing a biweekly study group for residents to understand the economic, environmental, and health impacts, aiming to present recommendations to city and state officials by the end of the summer. This initiative comes as the Detroit City Council passed a resolution for a two-year data center moratorium, which is currently awaiting Mayor Mary Sheffield's decision to sign. Concurrently, District 3 Councilmember Scott Benson has convened a working group, including representatives from city departments and DTE Energy, to fast-track a data center-specific zoning policy by year-end. Attorney Andrew Bashi of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center highlighted a brownfield on Shoemaker Street, previously contaminated with heavy metals, as a potential data center site, stressing the urgency of strong regulatory policies. Residents at a recent town hall expressed strong concerns, citing past experiences with industrial projects like the Stellantis plant where community input was reportedly lacking. Speakers at the event also presented examples of data center impacts in other communities. Meanwhile, the Michigan House of Representatives is considering a statewide data center moratorium until April 2027, and DTE Energy has filed for a rate hike, partly linked to a Saline data center's opening.