Data center rumors pack West Branch Township meeting despite no official plans
Residents packed a West Branch Township meeting due to online rumors about an impending data center vote. Officials clarified that no applications have been filed, though informal discussions with neighboring Forsyth Township have occurred. Concerns include the local power grid's capacity and Michigan's exclusionary zoning laws.
Residents of West Branch Township, Michigan, recently packed a board meeting, marking the largest turnout in 25 years. The unusually high attendance was spurred by social media rumors suggesting an imminent vote on a large data center project.
Township Supervisor Chris Shaw and Forsyth Township Zoning Administrator Crystal Carter clarified that despite the widespread speculation, no official permit applications for a data center have been filed with either township. However, Shaw acknowledged that early, informal discussions about a potential data center development have taken place, including talks with Forsyth Township officials.
During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of such a project. Crystal Carter highlighted that the local power grid currently lacks the capacity to support a data center of the size being discussed. She also addressed the legal framework surrounding land use in Michigan, explaining that while townships cannot implement exclusionary zoning to outright prevent property owners from certain uses, they do retain the right to regulate developments, including data centers, within their jurisdictions. The community expressed a desire for more information and a proactive approach to potential future developments.