Ypsilanti Township residents push Back on University of Michigan data center project

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.

Official response and confirmed impact

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.

M officials said the university will continue working with residents, local leaders and independent experts as plans for the project develop.

Incident background

The second town hall gave residents another opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about the proposed facility.