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2h ago

Howell Township Panel Rejects Rezoning for 1,000-Acre Data Center

Residents spent hours warning of resource strain, noise, transparency issues before the vote.

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A proposal to build a massive data center on more than 1,000 acres of farmland in Livingston County has sparked intense community debate, with residents set to voice their concerns at a township meeting Tuesday evening.

Overview

  • The Planning Commission denied the Van Gilder Farms rezoning request, saying it did not meet requirements, though the decision is not final and other bodies will review it.
  • Hundreds attended a relocated meeting at Howell High School, with most speakers opposing the project over water use, power demand, noise and rural character concerns.
  • The proposed site spans more than 1,000 acres near Grand River Avenue and Fleming Road on land largely owned by Van Gilder Farms, whose owners back the sale.
  • Township officials have cited an assessor’s estimate of $20 million to $30 million in annual tax revenue, while union representatives pointed to significant construction and operations jobs.
  • The prospective buyer has not been publicly confirmed, with some reports naming Meta and others describing an unnamed Fortune 100 technology company.