Lyon Twp Residents Steadfast in Opposition to Data Center
Residents in Lyon Township, Michigan, are actively opposing "Project Flex," a proposed six-building data center by Verrus and Walbridge, citing concerns over environment, water, energy, traffic, and noise. The developers have pushed for a decision from the Planning Commission, with Verrus's legal team sending a demand letter, while state Senator Jim Runestad has proposed a statewide data center moratorium.
Lyon Township, Michigan, residents continue to voice strong opposition to "Project Flex," a proposed 1.8 million-square-foot, six-building data center planned along Grand River Avenue. During a recent Planning Commission meeting, residents packed the session, expressing concerns about the project's impact on their peaceful community, including environmental issues, water and energy usage, increased traffic, and noise pollution. The project, which also includes a utility substation, is being developed by California-based Verrus and local contractor Walbridge.
A point of contention arose when Verrus's legal team sent a letter to the planning committee, demanding a decision at the June 8 meeting. Township officials clarified that no decision was scheduled for that date, and the commission has several weeks for review before taking action. Developers maintain that "Project Flex" will bring significant benefits, including thousands of construction jobs, 210 permanent jobs, and millions in tax revenue, asserting it will have minimal disruption and efficient resource use.
Further elevating the issue, State Senator Jim Runestad, who has proposed a one-year moratorium on all data center projects across Michigan, spoke at the meeting. Senator Runestad criticized the project as "rushed, opaque, and dismissive" of the affected residents, advocating for responsible development over what he perceives as an irresponsible approach in Lyon Township.