The Howell Township Board was supposed to vote on a rezoning application for a thousand acres of farmland that would clear the way for a data center during its Dec. 8 meeting; instead, the application had been withdrawn, and the board decided to hold a call-to-the-public-only meeting in support of the community.
If the applicant chooses to reapply, the developer would have to restart the rezoning application under the terms of the moratorium the Howell Township Board passed Nov. 20. The moratorium, a 6-month delay on the construction of any future data centers, still stands, but applicants are still able to apply for rezoning. The board can choose to waive the moratorium at any time before the six-month period is over.
Howell Township Supervisor Mike Coddington reviewed the timeline of the withdrawal: He said he missed a call from the developer at 4:38 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. He then received a voicemail from the developer at 5:04 p.m. saying they wanted to pull back the application for rezoning.
Coddington texted the developer on Saturday, Dec. 6, to clarify that they wanted to pull the request, and he explained that there would need to be written documentation.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, Coddington texted the township attorney to confirm if any written requests had been received. The attorney replied that he had a scheduled conversation with the developer at noon. He then received a written withdrawal of the rezoning application. The township treasurer sent out an email to all board members about the withdrawal 4:30 p.m. that day.
As the call to the public started, Coddington asked board members to keep track of some questions to supply a Q&A section on the township’s website covering any questions they can answer.
While opponents find relief in the application being withdrawn, there are still major concerns regarding trust and transparency with the board members. Some who spoke addressed the unnamed developer, who they say allowed the Howell Township Board and property owners to get the blame.
“[The developers] should be here talking to us, nobody else. They told us they’re going to be good neighbors,” said Cory Alchin, one of the organizers of Stop the Data Center – Livingston. “That is far from the truth; they are absent.”
Addressing both the audience and the board, Alchin continued: “I ask that you guys support your board. Board, now is the time to write ordinances that have substance, that protect these people.”
While the moment felt exciting for community members, multiple attendees reminded the audience that this does not mean there isn’t going to be a data center.
“While that brings temporary relief, it’s not a final decision,”said Breanne Green, one of the organizers of Stop the Data Center – Livingston. “A withdrawal simply means that the application is paused, not the threat to our township, our water, our master plan. This moment gives you, the elected board, the space to lead proactively, rather than reactively.”
Some board members took time at the end of the meeting to voice their opinions, acknowledging the silence the board has given the community.
“I just wanted to thank the residents that have gotten involved, and I’ve heard you, I believe the board’s heard you. I would just like to express my thoughts, because I don’t think you’ve gotten that from this board,” said trustee Tim Boal. “I made a decision and it was a recommendation to deny the rezoning request and the text amendment, because I didn’t think it fit our master plan.”
“I think all these issues need to be a vote to the public,” said trustee Bob Wilson. “I’ve said that from the beginning.”
If the project comes to fruition, it would be the largest development ever in Livingston County history. The estimated $1 billion initial capital investment will immediately make it the county’s largest taxpayer. Proponents tout its possible financial benefits, while opponents cite concerns about rising electricity rates, the strain on the area’s water supply, light and sound pollution, and the fact that it doesn’t fit into the master plan.
The project has already received thumbs down from both the Howell Township and the Livingston County planning commissions.
