URGENT UPDATE: Just hours ago, residents packed the Washington Township Hall to voice overwhelming opposition to a proposed data center that threatens to transform 312 acres of land into a sprawling technical campus. The meeting, which took place on Thursday night, was marked by passionate pleas from locals concerned about the environmental impact of the 32 Mile Technical Campus, proposed by California-based real estate giant Prologis.
The Zoning Board is currently evaluating a request to rezone the property from agricultural residential to industrial research technology, located south of 32 Mile Road and east of M-53. Residents fear the project will lead to a significant energy drain and raise water usage concerns.
“This is going to be a huge energy drain. So my concern is how are they going to manage that?” questioned resident James Eridon during the heated discussion. Another local, Jacob Newby, expressed curiosity about the project’s water sourcing, asking, “Are they planning to use well water to cool the systems down or village water?”
Community members, including Terry Templin, voiced their frustration, acknowledging the need for technological advancement but opposing its placement so close to their homes. “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,” Templin said.
The proposed project has sparked intense dialogue around environmental safety and local infrastructure. Officials have attempted to address some concerns online, stating the project would not require groundwater and is not anticipated to increase water or sewer rates. However, the uncertainty around future developments remains a significant worry for residents.
As the planning commission refrained from making a recommendation during the meeting, the Washington Township Board of Trustees is set to reconvene in early January 2024 to further discuss the project.
Residents are left feeling helpless, with Templin stating, “There’s no stopping this growth,” highlighting the urgent need for community engagement in the decision-making process.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. Residents are determined to make their voices heard against this controversial proposal. Share your thoughts and concerns on social media as the community rallies together in opposition!
