Benson, James say they would prioritize local voices in Mason annexation process
Michigan gubernatorial nominees Jocelyn Benson and John James say local residents should have a meaningful role in a request to annex more than 400 acres from Vevay Township into Mason for a potential data center. Benson proposes a statewide data center moratorium if elected, while Mason officials consider zoning restrictions and residents oppose the annexation and development.
A request to annex more than 400 acres from Vevay Township into the city of Mason is pending before the Michigan State Boundary Commission. The land would need access to city utilities, subsequent rezoning and local site-plan approval before a data center could be proposed. The State Boundary Commission will make a recommendation to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the process could extend into the next governor’s administration.
Republican nominee John James said he would oppose annexation conducted against local residents’ wishes, while Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson said local communities should have a voice and pledged to impose a moratorium on data centers while statewide guardrails are developed. Residents in Vevay Township and Mason oppose the annexation and potential data center development. Mason officials are considering zoning changes that could impose additional restrictions, although state law limits exclusionary zoning.