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HOWELL TOWNSHIP, MI – In a decisive move, the Livingston County Planning Commission has unanimously voted against a proposal to rezone over 1,000 acres of farmland in Howell Township for an AI data center backed by Meta. The decision comes amid significant public outcry and concerns from local residents.
Residents raised numerous objections to the proposed data center, focusing particularly on the anticipated utility costs, potential water usage, and a perceived lack of transparency from the developers. The community expressed fears about the environmental impact and the strain on local resources that such a large facility could impose.
Attorney Michael Vogt, representing the developers, argued that the project would incorporate “dry cooling” technology to address water usage concerns. He stated that this approach would significantly reduce the facility’s reliance on water compared to traditional cooling methods. Additionally, Vogt emphasized that the developers would cover infrastructure costs and implement measures for noise and light control to mitigate any disturbances to the surrounding area.
Despite these reassurances, the community’s apprehensions prevailed during the planning commission’s meeting. The majority of residents echoed a strong sentiment against the rezoning, underscoring their commitment to preserving local farmland and maintaining the integrity of their rural environment.
The commission’s decision serves as a significant setback for the developers and Meta, who aimed to establish a data center positioned to leverage advancements in artificial intelligence technology. For now, the farmland remains untouched, as local voices continue to advocate for transparency and sustainable development practices.
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