URGENT UPDATE: A packed meeting in Washington Township last night saw dozens of residents express fierce opposition to a proposed data center that could convert 312 acres of land into a high-tech campus. This contentious project, known as the 32 Mile Technical Campus, is spearheaded by the California-based real estate firm Prologis and is currently under consideration by the township’s Zoning Board.
The proposal aims to rezone the land from agricultural residential to industrial research technology, located south of 32 Mile Road and east of M-53. Residents voiced concerns over environmental impacts and the potential for increased energy consumption, with one resident, James Eridon, stating, “This is going to be a huge energy drain. So my concern is how are they going to manage that?”
The meeting, which was standing-room-only, highlighted growing tensions as community members fear the implications of such rapid development. Jacob Newby, a nearby resident, raised questions about the project’s water usage, asking, “I’m curious about if they’re planning to use the well water to cool the systems down or whether they’re planning to use village water.”
Another local resident, Terry Templin, expressed his understanding of the need for technological growth, yet lamented, “If it affects lives, people are going to be upset about that and I’m close enough to where it’s going to affect me.” His sentiments echoed throughout the room, underscoring the emotional stakes involved.
In response to resident concerns, the township has reassured the public that the project will not draw groundwater and is not expected to increase water or sewer rates. However, the unease remains palpable, with Templin emphasizing, “There’s no stopping this growth. That’s the problem.”
The Zoning Board did not make a recommendation during last night’s meeting, leaving the community in suspense. Discussions are set to continue at a follow-up meeting in early January, raising questions about the future of this significant development.
As tensions mount, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Residents are rallying against a project they fear will change their community irreversibly, highlighting the clash between technological advancement and environmental sustainability. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
