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Howell Township Data Center Plan Paused After Developer Withdraws Rezoning Request

A six-month moratorium now controls the timeline for any renewed bid.

Overview

  • The township board accepted the withdrawal at Monday night’s meeting and still took public comment on data‑processing rules.
  • The proposal sought to turn roughly 1,000 acres near Grand River Avenue and Fleming Road into a hyperscale AI campus reportedly tied to Meta.
  • A six‑month freeze on data‑center approvals remains in place, and the board treasurer says a revised application could arrive after it expires.
  • Residents expressed relief and persistent concerns over water use, grid demand, noise and property values despite developer assurances of a closed‑loop water system, a property‑value program and an escrow for enforcement.
  • Statewide scrutiny continues as the MPSC declined to act on DTE power contracts for a separate Saline Township project, and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks urged transparent processes and safeguards against electricity cost spikes.