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In a decisive move, the Livingston County Planning Commission unanimously denied a proposal to rezone over 1,000 acres of farmland in Howell Township for a new artificial intelligence (AI) data center supported by tech giant Meta. The vote, held during a recent commission meeting, reflects a growing concern among local residents regarding the potential impact of the development on the community.
Residents voiced their strong opposition to the project, raising issues about increased utility costs, significant water usage, and a perceived lack of transparency from the developers. Many locals fear that the proposed data center could strain the township’s resources and alter the character of their rural landscape.
The developers, represented by attorney Michael Vogt, sought to address some of these concerns through the use of “dry cooling” technology, which they claimed would help mitigate water consumption. Additionally, they offered to cover infrastructure costs associated with the project and promised to adhere to strict noise and light control conditions should the rezoning have been approved.
Ultimately, the planning commission’s decision reflects a broader hesitance toward large-scale industrial projects in agricultural areas, especially amidst growing environmental considerations. The rejection not only halts this specific development but also sends a message to future proposals that may face similar opposition from concerned residents.
As Howell Township continues to navigate its growth and development strategies, the outcome of this rezoning request highlights the ongoing dialogue between local governance, community needs, and the interests of large corporations.
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