Mason working on zoning rewrite before potential data center project
Mason, Michigan, is undertaking a complete rewrite of its city's zoning ordinance, including stricter guidelines, in anticipation of a potential data center development. Mayor Russell Whipple shared this update during a town hall where anti-data center activists expressed their intent to oppose any new proposals through a citizens' referendum. The city currently lacks specific protections for data centers, prompting the comprehensive zoning overhaul.
Mason, Michigan, is actively rewriting its city's zoning ordinance, according to Mayor Russell Whipple. This comprehensive overhaul, which will include stricter guidelines, is being developed in response to a potential data center project.
The update was provided during a town hall meeting where the existing lack of specific protections for data centers was acknowledged by City Council members, following the repeal of a previous, less stringent zoning change. Councilmember John Vercher noted that the delay in reintroducing new regulations is due to threats from anti-data center activists, led by Paula Caltrider, who have vowed to subject any proposed measures to a citizens' referendum.
Mayor Whipple emphasized that the city has no immediate action to take until a rezoning request or site plan application is submitted. While Caltrider believes the town hall did little to change perspectives, the City Council and planning commission members are expected to consider the new zoning changes at a joint meeting later this year.