What to know:
- U-M is proposing a data center in Ypsilanti Township. The “Los Alamos” project would provide computing capacity for University of Michigan researchers and students.
- Residents are raising concerns about the planning process. Some neighbors say they were not given enough information or an opportunity to weigh in before learning about the proposal.
- Residents protested ahead of Thursday’s town hall. Demonstrators called for greater transparency and more community involvement as the project moves forward.
YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP - Ypsilanti Township residents are speaking out against a proposed data center backed by the University of Michigan, saying they were not given enough opportunity to weigh in on the project.
The proposed “Los Alamos” project would create a computing center intended to support U-M researchers and students.
The university held a second town hall Thursday to hear residents’ concerns as planning for the project moves forward.
Before the meeting, protesters gathered outside to call for greater transparency in the planning process.
Some residents said they first learned about the proposed data center through Local 4’s reporting and questioned why they weren’t informed earlier or given a chance to provide input.
The concerns come as communities across Michigan and the country grapple with the potential impacts of large-scale data centers, including their effects on surrounding neighborhoods and local infrastructure.
U-M officials said the university will continue working with residents, local leaders and independent experts as plans for the project develop.
The second town hall gave residents another opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about the proposed facility.
The university has not indicated that the project is finalized, and additional discussions are expected as the planning process continues.
