Lyon Township postpones decision on data center project
Lyon Township has postponed a decision on the Project Flex data center after the developer, Walbridge, withdrew its current application to submit a new site plan. Local opposition has intensified, leading to a new proposal from developer Verrus, which includes $10 million in community investments and neighborhood protections. The project, already approved by the planning commission last September, faces continued scrutiny over its environmental impact and resource usage.
The Lyon Township Planning Commission canceled a meeting after Walbridge, a developer for the proposed Project Flex data center, withdrew its application with plans to submit a new one. Walbridge, in collaboration with Verrus and Kimley-Horn, is working on the project near Milford Road, south of Grand River Avenue. Although the planning commission unanimously approved an earlier site plan last September, growing opposition from local residents has led to further delays.
Residents, including New Hudson resident Kelly Sullivan and township resident Mike Larson, have expressed significant concerns about the project's potential impact on public health and resources, citing issues with noise, water and energy usage, pollution, and fire mitigation. They allege that the developers have provided insufficient or misleading information. The "No Data Center Lyon Township" group, represented by spokesperson Craig Kreutzberg, believes their efforts are proving effective in challenging the developers.
In response to the opposition and delays, Verrus representative Maria Poyer presented a new proposal to the township board on July 6. This framework includes approximately $10 million in voluntary, township-administered community investments, comprising funds for community infrastructure, public safety, and education/workforce training. The proposal also commits Verrus to local hiring, a community job fair, and enforceable neighborhood protections regarding noise, lighting, landscaping, water use, and environmental stewardship. The companies assert that the project will use a closed-loop water system and will build a dedicated DTE Energy substation, with water usage estimated at less than nine million gallons annually across all six buildings. The next regular planning committee meeting is scheduled for August 10.