Residents push back on proposed data/research center in Ypsilanti Township
Ypsilanti Township residents and officials are strongly opposing a proposed University of Michigan data and research center, partnered with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Concerns include environmental impacts, property values, water usage, electricity consumption, and noise. Township officials have passed a six-month land use moratorium and are exploring legal challenges against the project.
A contentious town hall meeting took place in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, where residents and local officials voiced strong opposition to a proposed 140-acre data and research center. The project, touted by University of Michigan officials as a $1 billion investment in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory, has drawn significant criticism.
Residents and officials, including Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo and State Representative Jimmy Wilson Jr., expressed concerns over environmental impacts, potential effects on property values, and the facility's demand for water and electricity. University officials acknowledged that specifics regarding water usage for cooling, electricity consumption, noise emissions, and a dedicated DTE substation are still in the design phase.
Opponents accuse the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory of a "bait and switch," alleging that they were initially informed the facility would be much smaller and did not include nuclear research. They argue the project will force residents from their homes. In response to community pressure, Ypsilanti Township officials are exploring legal options to challenge the development and have enacted a six-month land use moratorium on major electric utility structures. The University plans to host another town hall in October.