Lansing City Council Schedules Hearing for Data Center Moratorium
Lansing City Council has scheduled a public hearing for July 13 to consider establishing a six-month moratorium on new data center proposals. This decision follows the earlier withdrawal of the Deep Green data center project, which faced significant public opposition.
The East Lansing City Council unanimously voted to amend the city's Human Rights Ordinance, reducing the Human Rights Commission's authority to investigate discrimination complaints. Many complaints against city officials and employees will now be directed to state or federal agencies, a move intended to shield city personnel following a previous HRC investigation that found East Lansing police officers violated civil rights. Separately, Lansing City Council members have scheduled a hearing for July 13 to discuss a potential six-month moratorium on new data center proposals. This hearing was prompted by the withdrawal of the Deep Green data center proposal in April, which had met with strong public opposition. In other local news, The Lansing State Journal is relocating its operations to the Marshall Street Armory, and the East Lansing City Council approved a separation agreement with City Manager Robert Belleman following his resignation amidst accusations of sexual harassment and abusive conduct. Annette Irwin has been appointed interim City Manager. Additionally, a new $60 million UM Health-Sparrow surgical center broke ground in Lansing, expected to open in 2028. Early voting for Michigan's August 4 primary elections is also commencing this week in Lansing and East Lansing.