Garfield Township inches closer to a possible data center moratorium
Garfield Township's Planning Commission recommended amending the zoning ordinance to allow for broad moratoriums, prompted by strong resident opposition to potential data center development. Over 100 residents voiced concerns about environmental impact, water, and energy use. The proposed amendment, which is not specific to data centers, will go before the Township Board for a vote, with a specific data center moratorium potentially following.
The Garfield Township Planning Commission, spurred by over 100 residents, has recommended to the township board an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would broadly allow for moratoriums. This action follows growing public concern over potential data center development, despite no current proposals for data centers within the township, with one Illinois-based developer having previously shown interest. Residents at the meeting voiced strong opposition to data centers, citing environmental impacts, significant water and energy consumption, and questioning their economic value.
Planning director John Sych explained that the amendment aims to make moratoriums enforceable under state law, which currently does not explicitly include them in local zoning regulations. This move is part of a broader trend in northern Michigan, where several communities are considering temporary bans on data center development amidst regional pushback. The proposed amendment is not specific to data centers but would enable the township to enact future moratoriums on various types of development.
The amendment is expected to go before the Garfield Township Board for a vote likely at the end of August. Commissioner Cara Eule noted the unusual bipartisan unity among residents on the issue. If the board approves the general amendment, a specific moratorium on data centers could be introduced at a subsequent planning commission meeting.