University of Michigan Revisits Controversial Data Center Plans

Plans for a major data center project led by the University of Michigan have entered a new phase as officials reconsider the location for this controversial facility. Initially targeted for the area off Textile Road in Ypsilanti, the campus, designed to support research in artificial intelligence, energy, and national security, could see a shift to a site previously used by General Motors near Willow Run Airport.

The proposed $1.2 billion data center aims to comprise two buildings: one dedicated to classified government research and the other to non-classified studies. Despite the university’s preference for the Textile Road site, officials confirmed on August 19, 2023, that they are reentering negotiations with the American Center for Mobility, which holds land west of the airport.

“Township officials asked if the university would re-evaluate a potential site at the American Center for Mobility,” said Chris Kolb, the university’s vice president for government relations. He noted that while the university had previously dismissed this site, it was now open to exploring its viability at the request of local officials.

The university has maintained that the Textile Road location is ideal due to its existing light industrial zoning, infrastructure, and proximity to major roads. Kolb emphasized that the campus’s design aims to minimize environmental impact, with most of the site remaining undisturbed. He assured that the project would be developed with careful consideration of the nearby Huron River and local parks.

Tensions have arisen between the university and Ypsilanti township officials, who feel sidelined in the planning process. Township attorney Doug Winters expressed frustration during a recent Board of Trustees meeting, stating that the township had been unaware of the university’s negotiations for over a year. He criticized the university for not fully disclosing its plans, particularly when applying for a $100 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation based on the original site.

Local opposition to the Textile Road location has grown, with some residents voicing concerns about the implications of classified research and potential environmental issues. At the same meeting, Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo suggested that the former GM site may be more suitable due to its history of heavy industrial use.

In response to community concerns, the township board voted to oppose the Textile Road site and to explore amendments to local zoning regulations to better control where future data centers could be located. Currently, data centers are permitted on land zoned for industrial and commercial revitalization, including both the Textile Road and Willow Run Airport sites.

The township has also taken proactive measures by hiring environmental attorney Grant Trigger at a rate of $300 per hour to prepare for potential legal actions and to assist with environmental reviews, depending on the university’s decisions.

The university and national laboratory plan for the data center campus to become fully operational by 2030, with construction expected to commence in 2026. As negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain, and both the university and township officials express a commitment to keeping the community informed of developments.